A vitamin content in daily food rations of the residents in homes for the elderly in the Wielkopolska region

Ewelina Spochacz-Przygodnicka, Wojciech Chalcarz

Summary
The aim of the study was to assess vitamin content in daily food rations in different homes for the elderly (HE), with a special focus on the HE-gender interaction. The vitamin intake was evaluated in 106 residents over 70 years of age living in three homes for the elderly in Poznań and its vicinity. The intake was calculated from a current recording carried out over three days: two weekdays and one holiday. The results were analysed using computer software SPSS 11.5 PL for Windows. The analysis showed statistically significant differences in vitamin content in daily food rations in 11 of 12 vitamins assessed and in distribution of dietary allowances of seven vitamins. Men were found to have a higher vitamin intake in their daily food rations than women. The average intake of vitamin A, thiamine and vitamin B12 in the residents in all the assessed homes was higher than their recommended daily allowances (RDAs) whereas the average intake of vitamin E, D, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folates and vitamin C was lower than RDAs. It seems crucial to assess the HE menus in order to increase the quantity of nutrients which are rich vitamin sources. Apart from that, the elderly residents should also be encouraged to take vitamin supplements.

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