Nutritional status, energy, protein, and micronutrient intake of older service house residents

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the nutritional status and energy, protein, and micronutrient intake of aged residents living in service houses and to compare how they meet official recommendations.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: Service house residents (n = 375) in the metropolitan region of Helsinki, Finland.

Measurements: The nutritional status of residents was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Residents' energy, protein, and nutrient intake were calculated from 1-day food diaries and compared with the nutrition recommendations.

Results: The mean age of participants was 83 years; 82% were females. According to the Mini Nutritional Assessment, 65% were at risk for malnutrition and 21% were malnourished. Energy, protein, and nutrient intake varied greatly among residents. Inadequate energy, protein, and micronutrient intake was common among the oldest residents. Of the whole group, 46% received less than 1570 kcal/d of energy and 47% received less than 60 g/d of protein. Their intake of fiber, vitamin E, vitamin D, and folic acid was especially low. The percentages of residents receiving less than the recommended intake of these nutrients were 98%, 98%, 38%, and 86%, respectively.

Conclusions: Taking into account the large number of aged residents suffering from malnutrition or being at risk for malnutrition, low energy, protein, and micronutrient intake was very common. Assessment-based nutritional care should be a significant part in supporting frail older people in service houses.