Abstract

MARTINEZ ROLDAN, C.; VEIGA HERREROS, P.; COBO SANZ, J. Mª  and  CARBAJAL AZCONA, A.. Assessment of the nutritional status of a group of people older than 50 years by means of dietary and body composition parameters. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2011, vol.26, n.5, pp.1081-1090. ISSN 1699-5198.

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of elder adults by means of dietary and body composition parameters. Methodology: The sample comprised 49 adults, older than 50 years (23 men and 26 women) with a mean age of 54.84 ± 4.56 years, working at a private university. The body composition was analyzed by using anthropometric parameters. The energy and nutrients intake was gathered by means of a registry of all the foods and beverages consumed during 3 days that was filled-up by each (previously instructed) participant and estimating the amounts through photographic models. Total energy requirements were estimated by the Harris-Benedict and FAO/WHO calculations. Results: The body mass index was similar (p = 0.018) in both men and women (26.1 ± 1.9 and 24.4 ± 2.8 kg/m²). The percentage of fat obtained by anthropometrics was 29.6 ± 3.6 and 36.8 ± 3.1% (p = 0.000) in men and women, respectively. The level of physical activity was very light to light. Daily energy intake was appropriate for total energy demands when these were calculated by the calculations proposed by FAO/WHO. The caloric profile indicated an unbalance with high proteins and lipids and low carbohydrates intake. As for the micronutrients, the diets assessed indicated a deficient intake of folic acid and vitamins D and E, in both genders, and zinc and selenium also in women. Conclusions and recommendations: We have found overweight problems according to the BMI and the waist circumference, and obesity according to the body fat percentage, with the potential risk for the development of an associated complication. It would be advisable to improve the quality of the diets consumed by increasing the amount of some micronutrients and fiber, and by promoting an increase in the physical activity.

Keywords : Nutritional status; Elder adults; Anthropometrics; Energy and nutrients intake.

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