A dietary survey of 14 Wisconsin nursing homes

The nutrient content of meals planned for and consumed by residents of 14 Wisconsin nursing homes was determined. Menus were low in energy, niacin, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, and total folate. Intakes of those nutrients and nine others were also low for a large proportion of the population. Approximately 30 percent of the men and women consumed fewer than 1,200 kcal. It is recommended that nursing homes should; (a) use a food plan which meets the nutrient needs for a broad range of energy intakes and (b) periodically monitor dietary patterns to detect those residents who consume inadequate diets.