Objective: To estimate the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake in the Brazilian elderly.
Methods: This study was based on data from the National Dietary Survey, part of the Household Budget Survey 2008-2009. All individuals aged 60 and over, totaling 4,322 individuals, were included. Individual food intake was obtained from food records from two non-consecutive days. The habitual intake for each nutrient was estimated by the National Cancer Institute method, in which sex and region were included as covariates. The prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake was estimated stratified by sex and region using the EAR method to define cut-off points.
Results: A high prevalence of inadequate intake (> 50%) of vitamins E, D and A, calcium, magnesium and pyridoxine was observed for both sexes. In all regions, 100% inadequate vitamin E intake was observed. Vitamin D showed almost 100% inadequate intake except in the North region. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin A intake was higher than 70% in the North, Northeast, and Midwest regions. Among the minerals evaluated, calcium and magnesium showed the highest prevalence of inadequate intake (> 80%) in all regions.
Conclusions: The present study found a high prevalence of inadequate intake of nutrients recognized as being protective against chronic diseases among the Brazilian elderly.