title: Anthropometric and biochemical markers for nutritional risk among residents within an Australian residential care facility.
abstract: The risk of malnutrition is high among elderly population, yet few studies have measured indicators of nutritional status among Australian aged-care residents. To determine the relationship between nutritional status and bone density, hand grip strength, and the timed-up and go test, in a group of Australian aged-care residents. Anthropometric and biochemical analysis measured in subjects recruited to be part of a six month multivitamin supplementation study. One hundred and fifteen subjects participated (68% female). The mean (SD) age and body weight was 80.2(10.6) years, and 66.5(15.0) kg, respectively. Eleven percent were underweight (body mass index, BMI, <or =20.0 kg/m(2)), and 20% were obese BMI >or =30 kg/m(2)). Low serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D, <or =50 nmol/L) concentrations were found among 79% of subjects. After adjustment for body weight, there was an association between serum 25(OH)D and bone density (heel ultrasound) (r=.204, p=.027). Low serum zinc <or =10.7 micromol/L) concentrations were found among 46% of subjects; this group had a slower timed up and go time compared with those with higher zinc concentrations (n=19, 44.6 +/- 5.6 seconds vs. n=27, 30.0 +/- 3.3 seconds, p=.020). There were no associations between nutritional markers and hand grip strength. In this group, more than (3/4) of subjects had low serum 25(OH)D, and 46% had low zinc concentrations. Serum 25(OH)D was associated a lower bone density and zinc with a slower walking time. This indicates that the elderly in long term residential care facilities are at high risk for poor nutritional status, potentially increasing morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grieger
authors.forename: Caryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nowson
authors.forename: M Leigh
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ackland
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012307:Risk Factors; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D; D015032:Zinc