Premium
Micronutrient Intakes Vary by Age Group and Ethnicity in Older US Populations
Author(s) -
Bird Julia K,
Fulgoni Victor L
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.245.5
Subject(s) - micronutrient , medicine , nutrient , zeaxanthin , vitamin , ethnic group , malnutrition , food group , environmental health , retinol , population , national health and nutrition examination survey , physiology , carotenoid , lutein , food science , biology , ecology , pathology , sociology , anthropology
Older adults are at greater risk of malnutrition. Causes include reduced food intake, poorer taste and smell, difficulties chewing or preparing food, nutrient malabsorption in the aging digestive tract, and co‐morbidities. In addition, ethnicity may confound nutrient status. Using NHANES, 2003–2008, usual intakes of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids and percentage not meeting the EAR, where available, were determined using the National Cancer Institute method. Statistically significant differences between age groups (51–70, 71+ yrs) were calculated using a Student's t‐test and by linear regression modeling (significance was p <0.05). Defining at risk nutrients as more than 25% of population not meeting the EAR, adults 51+ yrs had lower intakes of at risk nutrients: calcium choline, lycopene, magnesium and vitamin E, and higher intakes of alpha‐ and beta‐carotene, vitamin A, C and D than adults aged 19–50 yrs. Significant differences were found comparing ages 51–70 and 71+ yrs, with lower intakes generally found in the older age group. Ethnicity significantly affected adults’ nutrient intakes for most nutrients with African Americans having the lowest intakes of all nutrients except lutein+zeaxanthin, vitamins A, C and K. In summary, nutrient intakes vary by age group and ethnicity. Adults 71+ yrs and African American seniors are at higher nutritional risk.