Publisher's Synopsis
This monograph, from the Nutritional Status Survey of healthy elderly Bostonians, is a detailed nutrition survey which includes an extensive analysis of blood samples for nutrients, as well as examinations of body measurements and physical findings related to health and nutritional status. The study population comprised 686 elderly living at home, evaluated by 3-day diet records, together with 266 institutionalized subjects in nursing or retirement homes. A comprehensive review has been carried out of each of the nutrients covered by the authors. Data are compared with reference for different age strata, sex, mobility, education, socioeconomic status, exercise and use of tobacco, alcohol and nutritional supplements. Intakes are compared to the RDAs and an analysis is made of the procedures necessary to survey the intake of the nutrient in the community. The book is introduced by seven chapters outlining the nutritional requirements of the elderly, nutrition assessment, survey design and methodology, the survey population, nutrient intake, food choices and the relationship between macronutrient intake and anthropometrics. Fifteen chapters then review specific nutrients in depth: lipids, protein, vitamins A, E, thiamin, riboflavin, B6, B12 and C, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper. Final chapters consider atrophic gastritis, alcohol intake, anemia, clinical chemistry, oral health and a follow-up of mortality. Nearly 300 pages of appendixes give a complete tabulated analysis and break-down of the data together with detailed descriptions of some of the methods employed during the survey.
