Nutritional status of the institutionalized elderly

The nutritional status of 84 elderly ambulant, self-feeding residents in public institutions was evaluated in terms of their food supply and the biochemical constituents in their blood. Calculations were made of the energy, protein, vitamin and iron composition of the food supply in the institution. The amount of nutrients supplied were adequate when compared with the recommended dietary allowances. Deficiency levels in the blood (expressed as a percentage of the population) were found in the following constituents; riboflavin 46%, hemoglobin 44%, plasma carotene 34%, thiamine 19%, leukocyte ascorbic acid 20%, retinol 5%, and plasma iron 2%. No deficiency was found in pyridoxine. Problems of monitoring the nutritional status of the institutionalized elderly are discussed.