Nutrient intake and gastrointestinal disorders related to masticatory performance in the edentulous elderly

The effects of chewing efficiency on nutrient intake and the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders were determined in edentulous elderly subjects. Three hundred sixty-seven noninstitutionalized individuals aged 60 years and over were interviewed. Denture masticatory performance and the collection of dietary information were assessed with the "Swallowing Threshold Test Index" and a food-frequency questionnaire. Approximately half (47%) of the participants exhibited a low masticatory performance classification. Thirty-nine percent used the same prosthesis for more than 10 years and 28% were taking some medication for gastrointestinal disorders. Lower intakes of fruits and vegetables for both sexes and of vitamin A by women were observed in subjects with poor masticatory performance. Furthermore, subjects with poor masticatory performance took significantly more drugs (37%) than those with superior performance (20%). A reduced consumption of high-fiber foods could therefore induce the development of gastrointestinal disorders in edentulous elderly subjects with a deficient masticatory performance.