engleski

Calcium intake by food vs. body weight and body mass index (BMI) in elderly

Adequate calcium nutrition increases bone mineral density during skeletal growth and prevents bone loss and osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. The critical issue for the elderly is getting enough calcium and other nutrients related to bone health from foods when energy intakes decline. The aim of this study was to analyze relationships between calcium intake and anthropometry parameters: body weight and BMI. The subjects were residents in nursing homes for elderly people in Zagreb (Croatia) (n=216), both genders (28 men and 188 women), mean age 78 years (from 62 to 93 years). Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-h diet recall. Anthropometric measurements included measured body height and weight by SECA (Model 220) and calculated BMI. Average body weight was 69 kg and BMI 27 kg/m2. The mean daily calcium intake was 617.2 mg, i.e. 51.4 % of Adequate Intake (AI), and the average intake of calcium by milk and dairy products was 45.8 % of average daily intake. In conclusion, in this study, body weight and BMI were in inversely correlation but not statistically significant with calcium intake. This population group should increase daily calcium intake by food and/or supplements.

calcium; body weight; body mass index; elderly

nije evidentirano