THE NUTRITIONAL status of residents of old people's homes, compared to individuals living at home, has been assessed. The residents had significantly lower means intakes of ascorbic acid, thiamin, pyridoxin, folic acid, nicotinic acid and protein. These findings were reflected in markedly lower circulating levels of ascorbic acid and folic acid in the residents. The data suggests that there should be reappraisal of the nourishment provided for the elderly in Part III accommodation.
Read, A.E., Gough, K.R., Pardoe, J.L. & Nicholas , A. (1965). Nutritional studies on the entrants to old peoples homes with particular reference to folic acid deficiencyBr. Med. J.2, 843-848.
3.
Andrews, J., Letcher, M. & Brook, M. (1969). Vitamin C supplementation in the elderly. A 17 months trial in an old persons homeBr. Med. J.2, 416-418.
4.
Vir, S.C. & Love, A.H. (1978). Dietary intake of institutionalised and non-institutionalised agedIrish. J. Med. Sci.147, 301-307.
5.
Hare, M. (1978). Clinical checklist for the diganosis of dementiaBr. Med. J.2, 266-267.
6.
Paul, A.A. & Southgate , D.A.T. (1979). McCance and Widdowson's Composition of FoodsH.M.S.O.London.
7.
Denson, K.W. & Bowers, E.F. (1961). The determinations of ascorbic acid in white blood cells: a comparison of white blood cell ascorbic acid and phenolic acid excretion in elderly patientsClin. Sci.2, 157-162.
8.
Bayoumi, R.A. & Rosalki , S.B. (1976). Evaluation of methods of coenzyme activation of erythrocyte enzymes for detection of deficiency of vitamins B1, B2 and B6Clin. Chem.22, 327-330.
9.
D.H.S.S. (1979). Recommended daily amounts of food energy and nutrients for groups of people in the U.KH.M.S.O.London.
Loh, H.S. & Wilson, C.W.M. (1971). Relationship of human ascorbic acid metabolism to ovulationLancet , i, 110-112.
12.
Bates, C.J., Rutishauser, H.E., Black, A.E., Paul, A.A., Mandal, A.E. & Patnaik , B.K. (1979). Long term vitamin status & dietary intakes of healthy elderly subjects 2: Vitamin CBr. J. Nutr.42, 43-56.
13.
Hughes, R.E. (1982). Recommended daily amounts and biochemical roles — the vitamin C carnitine fatigue relationship In: Ascorbic Acid. Ed. J. N. Counsell and D. H. Hornig. Applied Science Publishers.London.
14.
Older, M.W.J. & Dickerson , J.W.T. (1982). Thiamin and the elderly orthopaedic patientAge and Ageingii, 101-107.
15.
Katakity, M., Webb, J.F. & Dickerson , J.W.T. (1983). Some effects of a food supplement in elderly hospitalised patients: a longitudinal studyHum. Nutr.37A, 85-93.
16.
Dickerson, J.W.T. (1978). The interrelationships of nutrition and drugs In Nutrition in the Clinical Management of Disease. Ed. J. W. T. Dickerson and H. A. Lee, 308-331, Edward Arnold, London.
17.
Food and Nutrition Board (1980). Recommended Dietary Allowances, 9edn. National Academy of Sciences.Washington D.C.
18.
Bates, C.J., Black, A.E., Phillips, D.R., Wright, A.J.A. and Southgate , D.A.T. (1982). The discrepancy between normal folate intakes and the folate RDAHum. Nutr.36A, 422-429.
19.
Lawson, D.E.M., Paul, A.A., Black, A.E., Cole, T.J., Mondal,, A.R. and Davies, M. (1979). Relative contributions of diet and sunlight to vitamin D status in the elderlyBr. Med. J.2, 303-305.
20.
Hodkinson, H.M., Rand, P., Stantonand, B.R. & Margin, C. (1973). Sunlight, vitamin D and osteomalacia in the elderlyLancet, i, 910-912.
