engleski

Calcium intake, knowledge about osteoporosis and consumption of fruit and vegetables in elderly residents of nursing homes

The aim of this study was to determine the calcium intake and consumption of fruit and vegetables in the elderly residing in nursing homes. The dietary assessment method used was a specially designed completely quantified short Food Frequency Questionnaire containing foods high in calcium and fruit and vegetables. Additional questions provided demographics and information on subjects' knowledge about osteoporosis. The subjects (n=438) were residents of 11 nursing homes (81% females and 19% males) in average 78.2 ± 6.62 years old (mean ± SD). The mean daily calcium intake was 473 mg, i.e. 39.4% of Dietary Reference Intake. Only 0.7% of subjects knew the recommended calcium intake, but 68% of the subjects on the list of 9 foods recognized milk and dairy products as good calcium sources. Sixty eight percent of the subjects defined osteoporosis as a bone related disease and 53.2% of subjects knew that calcium has a role in osteoporosis prevention. The average daily consumption of fruit and vegetables was 46.6 g and 153.2 g, respectively (summed less than 50% of amount recommended). No significant correlation was observed for calcium intake nor for fruit and vegetables consumption (in grams) with self reported body weight and body height, Body Mass Index, waist to hip ratio and percentage of body fat measured with the Omron BF 300. The results of this study showed low calcium intake and inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables, so better nutrition education with emphasis on actual changes in dietary behavior, is needed for elderly residents of nursing homes.

calcium intake; fruit and vegetables consumption; nutrition knowledge; nursing homes

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