Anthropometric and dietary evaluations in a sample of "healthy" Mexican older adults

J Nutr Elder. 2009 Jul;28(3):287-300. doi: 10.1080/01639360903140270.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe anthropometric, metabolic, and nutritional characteristics in healthy elderly adults in a primary health care setting. It was conducted through a cross-sectional study of 80 subjects 60 years of age and older. After confirming healthy status, clinical, biochemical, dietetic, and anthropometric evaluations were performed. The findings indicated 22% had anemia, 22% had impaired glucose tolerance, 46% had hypertriglyceridemia, and 51% had hypercholesterolemia. More than 50% had obesity, and almost 80% had a high risk waist circumference measure. Mean energy intake was normal; however, more than 50% of participants did not have adequate intakes of potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins B(12) and A. Inadequate food intakes were common. Specific examples are that 16% of the subjects ate no meat/egg, 31% ate no dairy products, 56% ate no legumes, 22% ate no fruits, and 41% ate no vegetables. Additionally, 31% consumed soft drinks. Therefore, we can conclude that elderly people otherwise considered as "healthy" nonetheless had a high proportion of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. Inadequate dietary patterns were also observed and corresponded with poor micronutrient intake.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anthropometry*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Assessment*
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Nutritional Status