Nutritional situation of the elderly in the European Union: data of the European Nutrition and Health Report (2004)

Abstract

Background: The European Nutrition and Health Report contains data about the nutritional situation of elderly of 11 EU countries.

Methods: The assessment of the energy and nutrient intake was performed using different methods: 24-hour recall, (semiquantitative) FFQ, 4/7-day-weighed record, personal interview, HBS.

Results: Compared to adults of the same country, the energy intake of elderly was on average lower. In most EU countries, the mean proportion of protein intake was within the recommended range while the share of carbohydrates was considerable low. The mean fat intake was remarkably high, the dietary fatty acid pattern predominantly imbalanced and the intake of cholesterol exceeded 300 mg/day in most European elderly. The average intake of vitamin D and folic acid was clearly below 10 and 400 microg/day, respectively, in elderly of all countries. Sodium intake was quite high in several participating countries, whereas calcium intake remained below 800 mg/d in all investigated states. The supply of vitamin A/C, thiamine, niacin, cobalamin, and the elements: magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese could generally be regarded as sufficient. Only in some countries the intake of these nutrients had to be assessed as unsaturated.

Conclusion: Data analysis showed that the proportions of macronutrient intake of European elderly are not balanced. Apart from vitamin D, calcium, folate, iodine, and sodium the mean intake of micronutrients could be regarded as acceptable.