[Diet and dietary supplements of the elderly in Denmark]

In 1988-1989, 202 men and women aged 70-75 years and living in the Municipality of Roskilde participated in a dietary interview investigation. The investigation revealed that the diets of elderly persons contained a great deal of fat as 41% of the energy came from fats. The protein intake was adequate while the intake of carbohydrates, including dietary fibers was low. As regards the intake of vitamins and minerals in the diet, the supplies of vitamin A and calcium were sufficient and the vitamins B1, B2 and C and iron were acceptable. On the other hand, the intake of vitamin B6 and vitamin D were low as compared with the recommended values. 10-15% of the elderly persons ate very little and were at a particular risk of developing deficiency conditions because the low energy intake was associated with an absolutely lower nutrient intake. Elderly persons who eat least constituted a composite group as regards social background, physical activity, relative weight and self-assessment of health. 62% of the elderly persons took one or more dietary supplements daily with vitamins and minerals (corresponding to one vitamin tablet daily). No differences were observed between the users' and non-users' average intake of nutrients via the diet. The persons who employed dietary supplements thus did not have any particularly low intake of nutrients so that they had special dietary requirements.