Dietary intakes of Title III meal program recipients and nonrecipients

Nutrient intakes, dietary habits, and the nutrition knowledge and attitudes of elderly recipients and nonrecipients of a Title III meal program were examined. Mean intakes of energy and all nutrients except niacin and vitamin C were higher for recipients, although no statistically significant differences were found. High average intakes of protein, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C were shown among all groups. Low individual intakes were found for energy, calcium, vitamin A, and thiamin. Men consumed significantly more protein, fat, and riboflavin than women. As age increased, intakes of fat, protein, iron, thiamin, and niacin decreased. More than 75% of all subjects had diets rated "fair" or "good." Percentages of kilocalories from protein were above the recommended levels for all groups, and percentages of kilocalories from fat were above recommended levels for all groups except recipient women. Neither the number of meals eaten alone nor living arrangements had a significant effect on the patterns of intake of the nutrients studied. Most of the subjects interviewed did not regularly take vitamin/mineral supplements. Of those who took supplements, most consumed adequate diets. No significant differences were found in the nutrition knowledge or attitudes of recipients and nonrecipients, although recipients had slightly higher scores. Nutrition knowledge scores were above 60% for all groups. Educational attainment was positively correlated with nutrition knowledge.