Nutrient intake and food habit of a group of urban elderly people of Bangladesh

Abstract

A cross sectional study was carried out to investigate nutrient intake and food habit of a group
of urban elderly in Bangladesh. The sample is consisted of 209 males and 206 females, aged
60+ to 80 years. The dietary intake was estimated using 24-hour recall method. The habitual
pattern of food intake was examined using a 7-day food frequency questionnaire. The
adequacy of the different nutrient intake was determined in comparison with recommended
dietary allowances (RDA). Mean intakes of energy, protein, zinc, riboflavin and vitamin A
were found below RDA in both sexes. About half of the participants failed to meet 50% of
RDA for zinc, riboflavin and vitamin A, while the intake of fat, calcium, iron and vitamin C
were above RDA. One third of the males (37%) and the females (35%) failed to meet 50% of
RDA for vitamin C. A large portion of the males and females consumed pulses, green leafy
vegetables regularly, but the consumption of pulses was only 25g/d and intake of green leafy
vegetables (GLV) was 13g and 21g/d in males and females respectively. One-third of the
participants drank milk regularly. Fish was more commonly eaten than meat. The present
study suggests that the elderly people are at risk for poor nutritional status. A large scale
national nutrition survey of the elderly is necessary.