Cambridge Journals Online

Research Article

Predictors of micronutrient status in men and women over 75 years old living in the community*

Geraldine McNeilla1 c1, Juliet Vyvyana1, Heather Peacea1, Linda McKiea2, Gwyn Seymoura1, Judith Hendrya3 and Isobel MacPhersona2 a1 Departments of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK a2 Departments of General Practice, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK a3 Community Dietetics, Grampian Primary Care NHS Trust, Aberdeen, UK

Article author query mcneill g   vyvyan j   peace h   mckie l   seymour g   hendry j   macpherson i

Abstract

Serum ferritin, serum vitamin B₁₂, erythrocyte folate, plasma vitamin C and plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were measured in 208 men and 197 women, >75 years old and living in the community, in order to assess micronutrient status. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, demispan and mid-upper arm circumference) were made and a 114-item questionnaire covering a wide range of health and diet-related topics was administered by an interviewer. Only 4% of subjects had a BMI <20, but the prevalence of marginal deficiency of the micronutrients ranged from 7% for Fe to 47% for vitamin D. There was no association between low micronutrient status (defined as being in the lowest third of the distribution of micronutrient status) and having BMI or mid-upper arm circumference in the lowest third of the distribution for any of the nutrients. Leaving food on the plate was strongly associated with both low Fe status and low vitamin D status. Having breakfast cereal less than once per week was strongly associated with low folate status, while having fresh fruit juice less than once per week, having had less than two portions of fruits and vegetables the previous day and believing that food is not important for health were strongly associated with low vitamin C status. Low vitamin D status was strongly associated with a wide range of general health and disability measures. Having a weekly household income of less than £150 was associated with low status of Fe, folate, vitamin C and vitamin D.

(Received September 24 2001)

(Revised June 16 2002)

(Accepted July 15 2002)

Key Words:Nutritional deficiency; Anthropometric measurements; Elderly

Correspondence:

^c1 †Corresponding author: Dr Geraldine McNeill, fax +44 1224 663658, email g.mcneill@abdn.ac.uk

Footnotes

* Copies of the full questionnaire used in the present study are available from the corresponding author on request.