Dietary intake and nutritional status in regard to zinc of institutionalized aged

Dietary intake and nutritional status in regard to zinc were assessed in 65 institutionalized aged subjects. Dietary intake was generally adequate compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowances, except in regard to zinc and magnesium. Five percent of the subjects had hair zinc levels indicative of zinc deficiency (below 75 microgram/gm). Hair zinc levels were significantly correlated to protein intake by men and were significantly lower in women taking medication for coronary heart disease. Approximately one-fifth of the subjects had decreased taste acuity as evidenced by an inability to detect a difference in deionized water and 48mM solutions of sodium chloride or sucrose. Neither dietary intake of zinc, hair zinc levels, nor smoking habits were correlated to taste acuity at the p less than 0.05 level.