Are physically active elderly women in a better nutritional condition than their sedentary peers?

The generally observed decrease in physical activity with age has its influence on energy requirements and to a lesser extent on micronutrient requirements of the elderly. In this study it was hypothesized that physically active people can more easily obtain their recommended nutrient intake without becoming overweight, because of their increased energy needs. Nutritional intake, body composition and vitamin status were assessed in two groups of women aged 60-79 years. The groups showed large differences in pattern and level of physical activity as estimated by a previously described questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed by dietary history. Body composition was assessed using anthropometric measures and bioelectrical impedance. Blood levels of haematological parameters, blood lipids and several vitamins were measured. Differences in food consumption were not statistically significant. However, the more physically active women tended to have a food pattern more in line with dietary allowances according to the Dutch guidelines. At the same body height the physically active and sedentary women had body weights of 64.9 +/- 10.9 and 77.1 +/- 12.0 kg (mean +/- SD) respectively (P less than 0.001). Percentage of body fat was higher in the sedentary women. Blood levels did not differ significantly between both groups of women except for higher beta-carotene in the active women.