Adequacy of a vegetarian diet at old age: (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System)

• Published in: Journal of the American College of Nutrition Vol. 9; no. 4; p. 292
• Main Authors: Brants, H.A.M. (TNO-CIVO Toxicology and Nutrition Institute, Zeist, The Netherlands), Lowik, M.R.H, Westenbrink, S, Hulshof, K.F.A.M, Kistemaker, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.1990
• Subjects: ABSORCION DE SUBSTANCIAS NUTRITIVAS; ABSORPTION DE SUBSTANCES NUTRITIVES; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging - physiology; ALIMENTOS; CONSOMMATION ALIMENTAIRE; CONSUMO DE ALIMENTOS; Diet, Vegetarian; DIETA; ENERGIA; ENERGIE; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; ESTADO NUTRICIONAL; ETAT NUTRITIONNEL; Female; FEMME; HOMBRES; HOMME; Humans; Male; MINERALES; MINERAUX; MUJERES; Netherlands; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Requirements; PAISES BAJOS; PAUTAS ALIMENTARIAS; PAYS BAS; PERSONNE AGEE; PRODUIT ALIMENTAIRE; REGIME ALIMENTAIRE; SCHEMA ALIMENTAIRE; TERCERA EDAD; VEGETARIANOS; VEGETARIEN; VITAMINAS; VITAMINE; Netherlands
• ISSN: 0731-5724; 1541-1087
• DOI: 10.1080/07315724.1990.10720383

To assess the adequacy of a vegetarian diet at old age, the dietary intake (assessed through dietary history with cross-check) of 44 apparently healthy lacto-(ovo-)vegetarians, aged 65-97 years, was evaluated. Adequacy was assessed by a comparison of nutrient intake with (Dutch) recommendations and by evaluating data on nutritional status. The results were also compared with data of elderly omnivores. In contrast to elderly omnivores, percentages of energy from protein (13%), fat (37%), and carbohydrates (50%) as well as P/S ratio (0.63) were close to or within the range of Dutch guidelines regarding a healthy diet (percentages of energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates 10-15, 30-35, and 55%, respectively; P/S ratio 0.5-1.0). For most of the micronutrients studied intake was adequate, and nutrient density of the vegetarian diet was higher than of the omnivorous diet. However, the supply of zinc (average daily intake 8.5 and 7.6 mg for men and women, respectively), iron (because of lower bioavailability of nonheme iron), vitamin B12 (women only: intake 2.3 microgram/day), and water (daily intake less than 1600 ml for 30% of the vegetarians) need special attention, considering the relatively high prevalence of a marginal status of these nutrients. In conclusion, a lacto-(ovo-)vegetarian diet can be adequate at old age, provided that it is carefully planned, especially with respect to the supply of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12