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Micronutrients: highlights and research challenges from the 1994–5 National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

C. J. Bates ,
A. Prentice ,
T. J. Cole ,
J. C. van der Pols ,
W. Doyle ,
S. Finch ,
G. Smithers  and
P. C. Clarke
C. J. Bates*
Affiliation:
MRC Human Nutrition Research (formerly the MRC Dunn Nutritional Laboratory), Downhams Lane, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1XJ, UK
A. Prentice
Affiliation:
MRC Human Nutrition Research (formerly the MRC Dunn Nutritional Laboratory), Downhams Lane, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1XJ, UK
T. J. Cole
Affiliation:
MRC Human Nutrition Research (formerly the MRC Dunn Nutritional Laboratory), Downhams Lane, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1XJ, UK
J. C. van der Pols
Affiliation:
MRC Human Nutrition Research (formerly the MRC Dunn Nutritional Laboratory), Downhams Lane, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1XJ, UK
W. Doyle
Affiliation:
Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, University of North London, London N7 8DB, UK
S. Finch
Affiliation:
Social and Community Planning Research, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0AX, UK
G. Smithers
Affiliation:
Nutrition Unit, Joint Food Safety and Standards Group, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Ergon House c/o Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, UK
P. C. Clarke
Affiliation:
Nutrition Unit, Department of Health, Skipton House, 80 London Road, London SE1 6LW, UK
*
*Corresponding author: Dr Chris Bates, fax +44 (0)1223 426617, email Chris.Bates@mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk
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Abstract

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The aims of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey series are summarized, and the new National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over is explored, with particular emphasis on micronutrient intakes and status indices. Mean nutrient intakes were generally satisfactory for most micronutrients, but intakes of vitamin D, Mg, K and Cu were low. Intakes of vitamin D were far below the reference nutrient intake for people aged 65 years and over, and there was also biochemical evidence of vitamin D deficiency, for 8 % of free-living and 37 % of institution participants, attributed partly to limited exposure to sunlight. A substantial proportion of people living in institutions had inadequate biochemical status indices, notably for vitamin C, Fe and folate. Relationships between intake and status were close for vitamins. Mineral intakes did not correlate well with currently used status indices. Some intakes and indices, especially those of vitamin C, carotenoids, Na and K, were strongly correlated with socio-economic status and with north–south gradients in Britain. Future research challenges should address the functional and health significance of low intakes and sub-optimal biochemical indices for certain micronutrients, especially for people living in institutions; the shortcomings of mineral status indices especially as indicators of mineral intake; the social and geographical inequalities of micronutrient intakes and status, and why micronutrient status deteriorates with increasing age. The answers to these questions will help to define the characteristics of nutritional risk for older people in Britain, and to clarify future needs for education and intervention.

Keywords

MicronutrientsNational Diet and Nutrition SurveyElderly
Type
Review article
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 82 , Issue 1 , July 1999 , pp. 7 - 15
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 1999

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