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Nutrient Intakes of Senior Women: Balancing the Low-Fat Message

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Abstract

Nutrient intakes based on six days of food intake were collected from 52 elderly Nova Scotian women. Mean reported energy intake was 1600 kilocalories, of which fat contributed 31%. Mean intakes of zinc and Vitamin D were below recommendations. Other nutrients of concern were protein, calcium, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12. Nutrition education efforts should be directed at assisting older people to maintain the generally recommended low fat intake, while stressing the desirability of a balanced food intake of sufficient quantity, which includes low-fat milk and dairy products, lean meats and legumes as sources of nutrients in low supply.

Résumé

Les données relatives aux apports en éléments nutritifs, basés sur une période de six jours, ont été recueillis auprès de 52 femmes âgées de la Nouvelle-Ecosse. La moyenne de l’apport énergétique déclaré était de 1 600 kilocalories dont 31 % provenant de matières grasses. Les moyennes d’apport en zinc et en vitamine D étaient inférieures aux recommandations. Parmi les autres apports en éléments nutritifs faisant problème, on a noté les protéines, le calcium, les folates, ainsi que les vitamines B6 et B12. Les initiatives d’éducation à la nutrition doivent avoir pour objet d’aider les personnes âgées à maintenir une alimentation dont l’apport nutritif soit faible en gras et corresponde aux recommandations, tout en soulignant l’importance d’un régime équilibré en quantité suffisante, qui comprenne des produits laitiers et du lait allégé, des viandes maigres et des légumes comme sources d’éléments nutritifs en faible quantité.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nutrition and Food Science, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, B0P 1X0, Canada

    Alison D. Bogan PDt, MNS

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  1. Alison D. Bogan PDt, MNS
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Correspondence to Alison D. Bogan PDt, MNS.

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Bogan, A.D. Nutrient Intakes of Senior Women: Balancing the Low-Fat Message. Can J Public Health 88, 310–313 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403896

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403896

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