[Nutritional status and vitamin B6 supplementation in the institutionalized elderly]

Nutritional status and vitamin B6 status were assessed in 18 men and 32 women, average age 84, living in a home for the aged. Average proportion of energy derived from protein was higher than the recommended; fiber intake was very low. Also low were intakes of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamins D and E, thiamin, folic acid and vitamin B6. Supplementation with vitamin B6 (10 mg/d) for 28 days in those with the lowest B6 status assessed by B6 intake, activation coefficient of aspartate transaminase and plasma pyridoxamine concentrations led to improved B6 status (marked decrease in activation coefficient) and increased synthesis and decreased degradation of many short-lived neutrophil proteins. Though our elderly enjoy a variety of foods, some have marginal deficiencies that can be improved. Therefore, in the institutionalized elderly, micronutrient supplementation should be administered at a level low enough to be safe (below recommended upper level of intake) but high enough to be effective.