Nutrient supplement use by healthy elderly.

As part of a nutritional status survey of 691 non-institutionalized men and women aged 60 years and older, supplement use was reported by 45% of the males and 55% of the females. Supplement use was more prevalent in females than males at each age decade. Vitamins C and E were the most commonly used supplements. Mean dietary nutrient intakes were calculated from a 3-day food diary. The percentage of dietary intakes falling below 2/3 1980 Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) was comparable for users and non-users of supplements. Use of supplements markedly decreased the proportion of subjects with inadequate nutrient intake (using a 2/3 RDA criterion), particularly for vitamins B6, B12, and D, folic acid, and calcium. However, for both males and females, potentially excessive intake levels (10 times the RDA) of thiamin, vitamin A, and vitamin E supplementation were observed.     

Nutrient supplement use by healthy elderly

As part of a nutritional status survey of 691 non-institutionalized men and women aged 60 years and older, supplement use was reported by 45% of the males and 55% of the females. Supplement use was more prevalent in females than males at each age decade. Vitamins C and E were the most commonly used supplements. Mean dietary nutrient intakes were calculated from a 3-day food diary. The percentage of dietary intakes falling below 2/3 1980 Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) was comparable for users and non-users of supplements. Use of supplements markedly decreased the proportion of subjects with inadequate nutrient intake (using a 2/3 RDA criterion), particularly for vitamins B6, B12, and D, folic acid, and calcium. However, for both males and females, potentially excessive intake levels (10 times the RDA) of thiamin, vitamin A, and vitamin E supplementation were observed.     

Dietary Intakes of Adolescents Living in Edirne,Turkey

Objective: To assess the dietary intakes of the adolescents in the area of Edirne, Turkey.

Design: Cross-sectional, prospective, epidemiological study.

Settings and Subjects: Our study group consists of 1944 adolescents aged between 12 to 17 years; 940 females and 1004 males.

Interventions: Three-day self-reported food records were collected from the subjects and evaluated by a nutrient database program. Reported nutrient intake data were analyzed for gender differences. Minitab statistical program was used to compare nutritional data of subjects.

Results: Energy, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamins A, E, thiamine, and fiber intakes of whole adolescents, and also iron intakes of female adolescents were most likely to be inadequate compared with the recommendations. Iron, calcium, folic acid, thiamine, and fiber intakes were below two thirds of RDA/DRI in a large proportion of the adolescents. The intakes of protein, riboflavin, vitamin C, phosphorus and zinc were found to be adequate in a large percentage of the subjects. Forty eight percent of females and 60.1 % of males were below 2/3 of the RDA for energy.

Conclusion: Pediatricians and dietitians should train the adolescents living in our region and our country on practical strategies for making healthy food choices rich in nutrient content relative to energy value to ensure intakes that approach the recommendations.     

Dietary studies of children from a biracial population: intakes of vitamins in 10- and 13-year-olds.

Impact of vitamin supplements upon dietary intakes of eight vitamins was examined in 10- and 13-year-old children randomly selected from a biracial community, Bogalusa, LA. More younger children reported taking supplements daily (17%) than did adolescents (12%). Over 90% of the children surveyed had dietary intakes of vitamin E and niacin that met or exceeded the RDA. One-half to two-thirds of children using supplements had adequate intakes of ascorbic acid from diet alone. Children who most needed ascorbic acid supplements were the least likely to take them. One-quarter to one-half of the children did not consume the RDA levels of vitamin A, thiamine, and riboflavin. Adolescents had less adequate vitamin A intakes than younger children. In all surveys, a higher proportion of girls than boys had intakes that did not meet the RDA for vitamins B6 and B12. Vitamin intakes of Bogalusa children and adolescents were comparable to other U.S. surveys. Inclusion of vitamin E and niacin in supplements may be unnecessary.     

Dietary studies of children from a biracial population: intakes of vitamins in 10- and 13-year-olds

Impact of vitamin supplements upon dietary intakes of eight vitamins was examined in 10- and 13-year-old children randomly selected from a biracial community, Bogalusa, LA. More younger children reported taking supplements daily (17%) than did adolescents (12%). Over 90% of the children surveyed had dietary intakes of vitamin E and niacin that met or exceeded the RDA. One-half to two-thirds of children using supplements had adequate intakes of ascorbic acid from diet alone. Children who most needed ascorbic acid supplements were the least likely to take them. One-quarter to one-half of the children did not consume the RDA levels of vitamin A, thiamine, and riboflavin. Adolescents had less adequate vitamin A intakes than younger children. In all surveys, a higher proportion of girls than boys had intakes that did not meet the RDA for vitamins B6 and B12. Vitamin intakes of Bogalusa children and adolescents were comparable to other U.S. surveys. Inclusion of vitamin E and niacin in supplements may be unnecessary.     

Nutrition status of the elderly in Anogia,Crete, Greece.

General health and nutritional status of 167 free-living elderly Greek (aged 65-91 years) were assessed. The most prevalent diseases/symptoms encountered were related to respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and vascular systems (hypertension). Most subjects were socially active. Body mass index was < 20 and > 25 Kg/m2 in 7 and 57% of the subjects, respectively. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in women than in men, and as a group, 18 and 42%, respectively, had diastolic blood pressures > 90 and systolic blood pressures > 160 mmHg. Anemia and hypoalbuminemia were detected in < 5% of the population. Total fat intake was 40-45% of total energy intake and most of it came from monounsaturated fat. Hypercholesterolemia (> 6 mmol/L) was present in 32% of subjects. The percentages of men who smoked (66%) or drank (68%) were significantly higher than those of women (2 and 1%, respectively). Dietary intake data were compared with US recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for elderly. Daily energy and protein intakes were lower than the US RDA levels; calcium intake was > 50% of the US RDA, while magnesium and vitamin B6 levels were < 50% of the US RDA. Vitamin C intake was much higher than that of the US RDA. Mean thiamin, vitamin A, riboflavin and iron intakes were below the US RDA, while fiber intake was < 50% of the corresponding US estimate. Phosphorus was higher than the US RDA in men, while lower for women. Sodium intakes exceeded those recommended, while potassium levels were higher than those recommended in males, and lower in females.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating mothers of good socio-economic status in Cambridge, UK: some implications for recommended daily allowances of minor nutrients

1. Forty-two mothers from social classes I, II and III non-manual and twenty-one from social classes III manual M), IV and V were studied longitudinally. The mean daily nutrient intakes in months 4-9 of pregnancy, months 2-4 of lactation and 3 and 6 months post-lactation are presented and are compared with the UK and the US recommended daily allowances (RDA). 2. The quality of the diets (nutrients per 4184 kJ (1000 kcal] was found to be better than that of other adult female populations studied in the UK, except for a group of dietitians. 3. The mean daily intakes of nutrients for which there are UK RDA were almost all greater than 100% of the RDA. The exceptions were iron, which in the manual group (social classes IIIM, IV and V) was 85% of the RDA in pregnancy and 75% post-lactation, and vitamin D. 4. Among the nutrients for which there are US, but not UK RDA, only phosphorus and vitamin B12 intakes were greater than 100% of the RDA in both groups at all stages of the study. Intakes of other nutrients were below the RDA: pantothenate 70-91, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin E and copper 40-72, folate 21-44, and biotin less than 20% of the RDA. 5. The bases of the RDA for adult women were examined; for most nutrients the information is limited. It was concluded that the RDA for magnesium, vitamin E and pantothenate are probably higher than necessary and that deficiency is unlikely; that zinc, copper, vitamin B6 and folate are probably 'marginal' nutrients for 'at risk' groups; and that information on biotin is insufficient even roughly to assess the dietary requirement.     

Changes in the diets of university students over a six-year period (1986–1991)

First year students from six consecutive years (1986–1991) completed one week weighed dietary surveys. From these data, dietary intakes of a variety of nutrients were determined. Data were compared with literature values for other young adults; with recommended daily amounts (RDA) in place at the time, and where appropriate with more recent dietary reference values (DRV).
Results show that nutrient intakes, including alcohol intakes, of students were generally similar to those of other young adults, and close to RDAs. Female students tended to eat a smaller proportion of their energy as fat, and their total energy intake showed a consistent decrease across the years studied. This could reflect the ever increasing emphasis on a slim female shape, and is notable as these females did not consider themselves to be on weight-reducing diets. Intakes of minor nutrients showed few differences compared with other young adults, although a large variation in intakes was noted. On average, most vitamin intakes were above the RDA, but vitamin A intake amongst females was declining, and in latter years was below the RDA. Female intakes of riboflavin also tended to be low. Contrary to suggestions of low calcium intakes amongst adolescents, students were consuming more than the RDA, and more calcium than other young adults. A large proportion of the females, in all years, were not reaching the RDA for iron, suggesting the possibility of iron-deficiency anaemia if intakes remain low.     

Mineral intakes of elderly adult supplement and non-supplement users in the third national health and nutrition examination survey

Calcium, iron and zinc are important in many of the body's functions. We report dietary and combined (diet + supplements) intakes for these minerals for elderly supplement and non-supplement users in the United States and the prevalence of inadequate intakes. We calculated usual dietary intakes for adults 60 y and older from third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-94; mineral intakes from supplements and calcium-containing antacids were added to usual dietary intakes. We evaluated iron and zinc intakes using the dietary reference intakes, recommended dietary allowances and estimated average requirements for elderly adults, as well as calcium intakes using the Adequate Intake and the Healthy People 2010 objective. The highest prevalences of inadequate dietary intakes was for calcium (males, 70-75%; females, 87%) and zinc (males, 35-41%; females, 36-45%). Dietary supplements improved intakes, but nearly two-thirds of elderly adults had combined intakes below the calcium objective. Non-Hispanic blacks usually had lower intakes than non-Hispanic whites and higher prevalences of intakes below the standards. Supplement users had significantly higher mean dietary intakes than non-supplement users for all three minerals for total females and non-Hispanic white females (P < 0.05 for each mineral). Many elderly adults had inadequate dietary zinc intakes, and calcium intakes fell below the Healthy People 2010 objective; dietary supplements improved intakes. Even with supplements most older adults still had intakes below the calcium objective, partly because the supplements they took usually contained low doses of calcium. Total female and non-Hispanic white female supplement users were the only groups that had higher dietary intakes than non-supplement users for all three minerals.     

Nutritional status survey of healthy noninstitutionalized elderly: Energy and nutrient intakes from three-day diet records and nutrient supplements

Utilizing three-day diet records, average daily intakes of energy and nutrients have been assessed in a group of 691 non-institutionalized males and females aged 60 to 98 years living in the Boston area. Energy intakes were substantially lower than current recommendations. Over this age range, absolute energy consumption declined significantly in males only; on a body weight basis, there was no association with age in either sex. In relation to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), the intake of protein appeared adequate. Among the micronutrients, 20 percent of males and up to 38 percent of females consumed less than two-thirds of the calcium RDA. The percentages of intakes below two-thirds of the RDA's for vitamins were modestly reduced when concurrent use of nutrient supplements was considered. Among the factors associated with reduced dietary quality were lower educational attainment, lower family income, and (among males) the wearing of dentures.     

中国居民微量营养素的摄入

目的：依据１９９２ 年第三次全国营养调查的结果,分析全国各年龄居民１００ ２０１ 人的微量营养素摄入情况。方法：以中国的食物成分表为计算依据,用１９８８年修订的“推荐每日膳食中营养素供给量（ Ｒ Ｄ Ａ）”作为评价指标,用 Ｓ Ａ Ｓ 统计软件进行分析。结果：钙是中国居民膳食中缺乏最明显的营养素,有５１ ．０ ％ ～６７ ．６ ％ 的城乡个体每日钙摄入量不足１／２ Ｒ Ｄ Ａ; 全国平均视黄醇当量的摄入量占 Ｒ Ｄ Ａ 的６１７ ％ ;核黄素的摄入量占 Ｒ Ｄ Ａ 的５８ ．４ ％ ;铁的摄入量并不低,然而缺铁性贫血是我国居民中普遍存在的营养缺乏病;居民膳食中锌、硒、硫胺素摄入量在８０ ％ ～９０ ％ Ｒ Ｄ Ａ;烟酸、抗坏血酸、维生素 Ｅ 比较充足。结论：对于钙和铁的缺乏应调整膳食结构或适当使用强化食品加以改善。     

中国居民微量营养素的摄入

目的：依据１９９２年第三次全国营养调查的结果,分析全国各年龄居民１００２０１人的微量营养素摄入情况。方法：以中国的食物成分表为计算依据,用１９８８年修订的“推荐每日膳食中营养素供给量（ＲＤＡ）”作为评价指标,用ＳＡＳ统计软件进行分析。结果：钙是中国居民膳食中缺乏最明显的营养素,有５１．０％～６７．６％的城乡个体每日钙摄入量不足１／２ＲＤＡ;全国平均视黄醇当量的摄入量占ＲＤＡ的６１．７％;核黄素的摄入量占ＲＤＡ的５８．４％;铁的摄入量并不低,然而缺铁性贫血是我国居民中普遍存在的营养缺乏病;居民膳食中锌、硒、硫胺素摄入量在８０％～９０％ＲＤＡ;烟酸、抗坏血酸、维生素Ｅ比较充足。结论：对于钙和铁的缺乏应调整膳食结构或适当使用强化食品加以改善。     

Evaluation of energy, nutrient and dietary fiber intakes of adolescent males

OBJECTIVE: The minimal data available on the current energy, nutrient and dietary fiber intakes of adolescent males challenges the development of effective nutrition education programs. There is a need for research into the current intakes of adolescent males and in particular their relation to the current Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). The primary objective of this study was to assess the diet of adolescent males and relate energy, nutrient and dietary fiber intakes to the DRIs. Secondary objectives were to relate energy, macronutrient and dietary fiber intakes to body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentile categories as well as to explore vitamin/mineral supplement use and soft drink consumption. METHODS: Three-day food records were completed by 180 healthy adolescent males for analysis of energy, nutrient and dietary fiber intakes from food and supplements. Following adjustment for intra-individual variability, nutrient intake percentile distributions were related to the DRIs. Energy, macronutrient and dietary fiber intakes were compared among BMI-for-age percentile categories and diets were evaluated for vitamin/mineral supplement use and soft drink consumption. RESULTS: Median intakes for percent energy from carbohydrate, fat and protein were within the Accepted Macronutrient Distribution Ranges. Intakes of micronutrients with Estimated Average Requirement values indicated that greater than 50% of subjects consumed inadequate amounts of vitamin A and vitamin B6, and greater than 75% of subjects consumed inadequate amounts of magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Subjects classified as overweight had significantly lower energy and carbohydrate intakes compared with subjects classified as having an acceptable body weight. The prevalence of vitamin/mineral supplement use was 16.1% and 67% of subjects reported daily consumption of soft drinks. CONCLUSION: Results of this study reveal that adolescent males are consuming the recommended amounts of macronutrients but may be at risk for consuming inadequate levels of specific micronutrients. Nutrition education programs should consider targeting select micronutrients to improve nutritional intakes of adolescent males.     

Seasonal variation of food consumption and selected nutrient intake in Linxian,a high risk area for esophageal cancer in China

Linxian, China, is a region with high incidence of esophageal cancer and a history of poor nutritional status. Nutrition Intervention Trials were conducted in this area from 1985 through 1991 and found a reduction in total cancer mortality in the group receiving supplementation of beta-carotene/selenium/alpha-tocopherol. The positive results of those trials have, in part, been ascribed to the poor nutritional status of this population. To investigate more recent food patterns, nutrient intakes, and seasonal variations in the diet, dietary surveys were conducted among the residents of Linxian in 1996. Food consumption data were collected among 104 households in spring and 106 households in autumn using a method of food inventory changes. Intake of nutrients was estimated and compared to the Chinese Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). In both seasons, the five most common food groups consumed were cereals, fresh vegetables, yams, seasoning, and eggs. Low nutrient intakes were found for selenium (79% RDA and 66% RDA), zinc (72% RDA and 62% RDA), vitamin B2 (64% RDA and 52% RDA), and calcium (53% RDA and 39% RDA) in both spring and autumn. A large seasonal variation was seen in the consumption of leafy vegetables, root vegetables and eggs, all of which might have contributed to the lower intake of vitamin A (25% RDA), vitamin C (75% RDA), protein (76% RDA), and vitamin E (78% RDA) in autumn. These indicate that the nutrient intake in Linxian is inadequate for a number of vitamins and minerals including those shown to be associated with esophageal cancer.     

Vitamin B-12 and folate intakes and plasma levels of black adolescent females

The vitamin B-12 and folate intakes and plasma levels of 39 healthy black female adolescents were evaluated. Estimated dietary folate intakes of 97% of the subjects were less than 2/3 of the RDA, and 74% had plasma folate levels indicative of marginal (3.0 to 5.9 ng/ml [less than 6 nmol/:]), nmol/L]), and 3%, deficient (below 3.0 ng/ml [less than 6 nmol/L]) folate status. Thirteen percent of the subjects had estimated dietary intakes below 2/3 of the RDA for vitamin B-12; all subjects had plasma levels indicative of adequate vitamin B-12 status.     

Nutritional status of vitamin A, E, C, B1, B2, B6, nicotinic acid, B12, folate, and beta-carotene in young women

To investigate the vitamin status of young Japanese women, dietary intakes of vitamin A, E, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folate, and beta-carotene were assessed by a 3-d weighed food record in 150 female students aged 21-22. Whole blood levels of vitamin B1, B2, and nicotinic acid, and serum levels of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin B6, and beta-carotene were determined by HPLC. Vitamin B12 and folate in serum were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and serum vitamin C was done by dinitrophenylhydrazine method. When the 6th revision RDAs for the Japanese (physical activity level 1) were applied, 46.7% of the females showed sufficient intake for vitamin A, 28.7% for E, 80.7%, for B1, 92.7% for B2, 54.7% for B6, 99.3% for niacin, 76.0% for B12, 34.0% for folate, and 54.0% for C. Fifty-nine percent of total vitamin A (microgRE) intakes were derived from beta-carotene. The mean+/- SD of energy intakes was low, 1.572+/-315 kcal. Significant correlations among intakes of energy and all these vitamins were found. Serum folate and ascorbic acid levels in the females with corresponding vitamin intakes above the RDA were significantly higher than in those with intakes below the RDA. There were significant correlations between blood vitamin levels and vitamin intakes in vitamin B12 (r=0.185), folate (r=0.255), vitamin C (r=0.272), and beta-carotene (r=0.319). Mean blood levels of folate, ascorbic acid, vitamin B2, B12, and beta-carotene were higher in the highest quartile of intake than in the lowest. The 95% confidence intervals of blood vitamin levels obtained from the females with sufficient vitamin intakes were nearly equal to those obtained from all subjects. Only a few females (0.7-4.7%) had their blood vitamin levels below the lower limits. Serum alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly correlated with serum levels of retinol, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. This data suggested that young women should increase suitable dietary food intakes in order to maintain good status of vitamin. Moreover, sufficient amount of physical activity would be expected for prevention of excessive energy intake.     

Nutrient intake of low-income, black families in southwestern Mississippi

A dietary intake study for 250 low-income households in Claiborne County in southwestern Mississippi was conducted from June through August 1974. Data were obtained during daily home visits for seven days by trained college students. The adequacy of nutrient intake for individuals was evaluated by comparing the data with the 1974 Recommended Dietary Allowances by age and sex. The data was also compared with those of the Ten-State Nutrition Survey and HANES. Mean intakes of protein, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and ascorbic acid for all subjects were above the RDAS; those of energy, calcium, iron, and preformed niacin were below the allowances. Whereas calcium was the nutrient least adequately consumed by all persons, protein was most adequately consumed. Sixty per cent of children had calcium intakes below two-thirds of the allowance. By sex, 66.7 per cent of all males and 73.3 per cent of all females had calcium intakes below two-thirds of the standard. None of children received less than two-thirds of the allowance for protein. Nutrient intake was low for a substantial number of the subjects. Adolescents, ages eleven to eighteen years, of both sexes had the poorest diets for all nutrients. Regarding the sex difference, females had better nutrient intakes than did males for all nutrients except calcium and iron.     

Wasting malnutrition and inadequate nutrient intakes identified in a multiethnic homeless population.

The few previous studies of the nutritional status and dietary intakes of the homeless have been limited by small sample sizes. We collected information from a multiethnic sample of 277 homeless men and women in Miami, Fla. Data collected included a brief personal history, anthropometric variables, and a detailed 24-hour dietary recall. An additional 24-hour dietary recall was collected from a subsample of 36 men. Socioeconomic characteristics of our sample were similar to that of other samples of the homeless. Using measurements of the upper arm muscle area, we identified wasting malnutrition in 20% of the men. Dietary intakes (percentage of the Recommended Dietary Allowances [RDAs] +/- standard error of the mean) for energy (82 +/- 2.88%), calcium (63 +/- 3.28%), zinc (56 +/- 2.61%), and vitamin B-6 (68 +/- 3.93%) were significantly below RDA guidelines for all ethnic groups. In addition, thiamin (75 +/- 6.34%) intakes for whites and vitamin A (61 +/- 12.53%) and riboflavin (74 +/- 7.72%) intakes for Hispanics were below RDA guidelines. Compared with men, women consumed significantly less energy, calcium, and zinc.     

Relationships between vitamin and mineral supplement use, dietary intake, and dietary adequacy among adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To examine patterns of supplement use among US adolescents and the relationship between supplement use and dietary intake and adequacy. DESIGN: Adolescents self-reported 2 days of food intake using the 24-hour recall method and supplement use during a personal interview conducted as part of the 1994 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals (CSFII). SUBJECTS: A national sample of 423 adolescents included in the 1994 CSFII survey. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: chi 2 analysis was used to determine which demographic factors were significantly related to patterns of supplement use. Weighted percentages of adolescents by category of supplement use for selected vitamins and minerals (calcium; iron; zinc; folic acid; and vitamins A, B-6, C, and E) are presented. Relationships between dietary intake of macronutrients and vitamins and minerals among adolescents and supplement use were determined using a least-squares model of general linear regression. RESULTS: Approximately one-third of adolescents reported using supplements, with 15.6% of youth using them on a daily basis. The majority of supplement users reported taking multivitamins (N = 95; 65.5%) whereas only one-third of supplement users reported taking individual vitamins or minerals. Supplement use was found to vary by gender, household size, and US region of residence. Adolescents who reported using supplements had higher mean dietary intakes of most micronutrients and lower intakes of total and saturated fat than those who did not use supplements. More than one-third of adolescents had dietary intakes of vitamins A and E, calcium, and zinc that were < 75% of the US Recommended Dietary Allowance. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: The majority of US adolescents do not use vitamin or mineral supplements. Interestingly, adolescents who do use supplements, even on an infrequent basis, consume diets that are more nutrient-dense than those who do not use supplements. Dietary intakes of several micronutrients were inadequate among all adolescents in this study, regardless of supplement use status. There is a need to develop and implement programs aimed at improving the dietary intakes of US adolescents.