An evaluation of the nutrient intake of a group of elderly people attending a luncheon club.

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the nutrient intake of a group of 18 elderly men and women aged 67-85 years who attend a luncheon club in a North London Borough. Adequate intakes of most nutrients were demonstrated with the exception of zinc, although due to wide individual variation some people had intakes greatly below recommendations. The contribution of the luncheon club meal to the total diet varied widely between individuals. For the group, the difference between the mean energy and nutrient (except protein) intakes on luncheon club days and non-luncheon club weekdays was not statistically significant. However, for some individuals whose intakes of certain nutrients was low, e.g. vitamin C, it is probable that a greater contribution to the nutrients intake was obtained from the luncheon club meal than from meals consumed at home.