How Did the Dietary Behavior of Older Korean Adults Change During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

This study comparatively evaluated changes in the food habits and dietary patterns of adults aged ≥65 years before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using a retrospective study.

Data covering the 2018-2021 period were derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Comparing the 2943 individuals in the "Before-COVID-19" individuals with the 2916 people in the "During COVID-19" group, the frequency of drinking four or more times a week decreased among the older adults during the pan-demic, as did the frequency of eating three meals a day and eating-out at least once a week. On the other hand, food security improved during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the intake of cereals and grains decreased, while that of potatoes and starches, legumes, vegetables, eggs, milk and dairy products, and oils and fats increased. Although energy and carbohydrate intake decreased, protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid, and fat intake increased. However, the intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium remained lower than the estimated adequate requirement of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Additionally, the rate of nutritional insufficiency "During COVID-19" (20.76%) was 1.31-1.42 times higher than that "Before COVID-19" (16.45%). Even in models that adjusted for other factors, the rate of nutritional insufficiency was higher during the pandemic than before.

Based on these findings, measures such as dietary education programs and guidelines for proper nutrient intake should be formulated to prevent imbalances in nutrient intake among older Koreans.