[Nutrition and nutritional status of female somatic nursing home patients]

To determine if the intake of energy and particular nutrients is adequate among elderly non-demented nursing home patients, and to identify possible causes of a marginal status.

A nursing home, neighbouring service flat and a group of independently living elderly in Zeist, the Netherlands.

Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Data were collected about habitual food consumption, anthropometry and indicators of nutritional status from 51 female nursing home patients (response 65%), 29 elderly women living in service flats (response 56%) and 52 independently living elderly women. Comparisons were made among the groups, with the recommended dietary allowance and with cut off values.

The mean daily energy intake of 5.9 MJ (SD: 1.4) by the group of nursing home patients was lower than the recommended allowance (7.8 MJ). Mean values for the anthropometric measurements hardly varied among the groups. This suggested that the low energy intake was in accordance with the actual energy requirement. Especially among the nursing home women low blood levels were frequently seen of folic acid, pyridoxine, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, vitamin C and selenium. A lower food consumption and unfavourable food choices were considered to be mainly responsible. Low mobility and pathological processes may also play a part.

Low blood levels among non-demented nursing home patients were caused by low food consumption, unfavourable food choices and probably by health status. Prevention may include: more physical activity (whenever possible), giving information to patient and nurse, supplying food with higher nutrient density, presenting more menu choices, reporting to physician or dietician when food offered is not eaten.