title: Serum proteins and nutritional status of free-living Thai elderly.
abstract: Fifty-six Thai males and 146 Thai females aged 60 years and above visiting a special clinic for the elderly were investigated. The serum protein and immunoglobulin of these elderly were assessed. Anthropometric measurements were also taken. From a random sample of the group, the dietary intake of main nutrients was determined by a 24 h recall method with the help of food models. Weight, height and mid-arm muscle circumference of males were greater than those of females. Triceps skinfold thickness was less in the males than in the females. Forty-seven per cent of the individuals investigated had alpha1-antitrypsin levels below 200 mg/dl and 25.4% had IgG levels of 200 mg/dl and 39% IgA levels above 450 mg/dl. The males tend to consume more calories in the form of carbohydrates than the females. The nutritional density of fat was less than 20% in the males. A negative correlation between serum albumin and height and a positive correlation between serum IgG and tricep skinfold thickness were found. Weight was found to have a positive correlation with calories, carbohydrates and fat. Height correlated positively with calories, protein and carbohydrates. Serum prealbumin correlated with fat intake. It is concluded that, except for alpha1-antitrypsin, IgA, serum proteins are found in a range normally detected also in elderlies in western countries. Body composition does not relate to level of protein intake.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tropical Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pongpaew
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tungtrongchitr
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Phonrat
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Supawan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lertchawanakul
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tawprasert
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vudhivai
authors.forename: F P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Schelp