The nutritional status of Finnish home-living elderly people and the relationship between energy intake and chronic diseases

Abstract

The nutritional status and the impact of non-progressive chronic diseases on energy intake were determined in 90 home-living people aged from 73 to 94 years. The nutritional status was assessed by dietary, anthropometric, biochemical and haematological methods. Energy intake (6.0, SD 1.7 MJ) in women was low compared with the Nordic Nutrient Recommendation but in men it (8.0, SD 2.1 MJ) was in keeping with this recommendation. Despite the low energy intake the mean BMI value of women was moderately high (27, SD 5.3 kg/m2). In men the mean was 26, SD 4.0 kg/m2. The intakes of vitamins and minerals met the recommendation, except for those of folic acid and zinc. The blood levels of both these two nutrients were within reference limits. Men suffering from chronic diseases received less (p < 0.015) energy (7.5, SD 1.76 MJ) than other men (8.9, SD 2.0 MJ). This relationship was not found in women. In conclusion, the nutritional status of people aged over 70 years old living at home was good. The presence of chronic diseases affected the energy intake in men but not in women.