Nutritional Status of the Nonagenarian Population in Longevity Belt in Korea

Lee, Mee Sook

Abstract

The nutrients intake and health-related habits of nonagenarian subjects in Korean representative longevity belts of Damyang, Gokseong, Kurye, Sunchang were evaluated for the purpose of providing the information on the desirable food selection and dietary pattern of elderly population. A survey was conducted with 91 subjects (26 males and 65 females) and their food intakes were measured by the combination of one meal weighing and 24-hr recall, and their general background information was collected by visit. The mean age of the subjects was 93.6 +/- 2.2 (male) and 97.6+/- 4.6 (female). The average smoking rate was 20.9%; the rate of regular drinking was 26.4%. The average energy intake was 1,284.9 kcal comprising 77.1% of RDA for elder people over 75. The energy ratio of carbohydrate, protein and fat were 66.5 :18.2 :15.3. The average intake of protein, calcium, iron and zinc were 107.4%, 59.9%, 106.3% and 60% of RDA respectively. The lower intake of vitamins as low as 70% was found except vitamin B6 and niacin. The majority of the subjects consumed rice as staple diet and mostly consumed white plain rice rather than mixed grain rice. The animal and plant food intakes were 88.4 :11.6 in males and those of females were 83.0 :17.0 showing a tendency of plant-based meals. Nutrients that showed NAR over 0.7 were protein, iron, vitamin B6, niacin and phosphate, but those with INQ over 1. Nutrient with INQ below 0.7 was only vitamin E. Even though their nutritional quantity did not appear to be enough, but their nutritional quality was relatively high. The adding dairy products, nuts and fruits for the purpose of proving sufficient vitamin and minerals can achieve the optimal nutritional intake patterns. Further research on RDA of this age population should be followed.