Food and nutrient intake of Irish community-dwelling elderly subjects: Who is at nutritional risk?

Abstract

The data indicate that the diet of Irish community-dwelling elderly individuals is sub-optimal with respect to nutrient intake, and excessive in terms of fat intake, with implications for the health status of this population group. Reductions in dietary fat and increased low fat dairy food intakes are recommended for the prevention of diet-related disease in older persons. In addition, strategies to improve a number of sub-optimal micronutrient intakes need to be developed and implemented, particularly among elderly males.

Recent developments in understanding the role of the gut microbiota in brain health and disease

“…For instance, the fecal microbiota of the rural Hadza community, who mostly forage in the wild for their diet, was found to be unique from that of a Westernized population . Moreover, the diets of Westernized countries are found to be suboptimal with respect to the consumption of nutrients and high in saturated fats, which may help to explain the prevalence of diseases and psychiatric conditions in such countries . It is important to consider the factors that have driven the evolution of the Westernized microbiota from that of more rural microbiotas, such as that of the Hadza community.…”

CIMMYT Series on Carbohydrates, Wheat, Grains, and Health: Impact of Minerals, Phytochemicals, Specific Grain-Based Foods, and Dietary Patterns on Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease

“…In a sample of free-living elderly Spanish individuals (mean age ~79 years) inadequate intakes of zinc were observed, with men having lower intakes than women (39). Intake data for elderly Irish individuals showed a similar pattern (40). Among older Polish adults 44% had deficits in zinc, and a small study of Polish postmenopausal women found that nearly 70% of the women had inadequate intakes (36).…”

“…Low intake levels were also found among elderly adults in Ireland (40) and free-living elderly adults in Spain (mean age ~79 years) (39). Of the elderly Spanish adults more than 90% did not meet 80% of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) magnesium intake requirements (48).…”

Nutri-eSCREEN®: descriptive analysis of a self-management site for older adults (50+ years)

“…The gender, age and risk factor associations found in this study are consistent with prior work, further demonstrating the utility of Nutri-eSCREEN®. For example, prior work has found associations between poorer diet quality and inadequate dentition, increasing age, male gender, and fewer meals per day [32][33][34][35]. Persons at risk for chronic conditions such as those with pre-diabetes [29] could be key targets for Nutri-eSCREEN®.…”