Inappropriate pattern of nutrient consumption and coexistent cardiometabolic disorders in elderly people from Poland

INTRODUCTION Nutritional recommendations are aimed at, among others, reducing morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders, which are common in the aging population. Adherence to these recommendations allows not only to stop the progression of a disease but also to improve the overall health of elderly patients.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze differences in nutrition of elderly patients, with emphasis on the implementation of nutritional recommendations both for healthy people and for patients with cardiometabolic disorders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS Based on a 24-hour recall questionnaire of 239 volunteers (mean age, 72 ±9.34 years) and using the Diet 5.0 software, we analyzed in detail the pattern of consumption of various nutrients. 

RESULTS Compared with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and cardiology associations, more than 90% of the population did not cover the demand for calcium, potassium, vitamin D, folic acid, and α-linolenic acid. The intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, sodium, magnesium, fiber, water, and vitamin C was slightly higher. The appropriate intake was observed only in a diet of 15% to 40% of the subjects. The most significant differences were demonstrated for the coexisting diseases and the intake level of sodium, polyunsaturated fatty acids (particularly docosahexaenoic acid) vitamin C, iron, fiber, lauric acid, and sucrose. The diet of patients with hypercholesterolemia was the least deficient, while deficiencies were the most common in patients with a history of myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS Nutrition of geriatric patients is inadequate. Their diet is profoundly deficient in nutrients, and these deficiencies further deteriorate in the presence of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. Our results indicate the need for education among elderly patients in terms of proper eating habits and, possibly, individual supplementation.