Anthropometric and biochemical markers for nutritional risk among residents within an Austrlaian residential care facility
Date
2007
Authors
Grieger, J.
Nowson, C.
Ackland, L.
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Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007; 16(1):178-186
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Jessica Grieger, Caryl Nowson, and M. Leigh Ackland
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Abstract
The risk of malnutrition is high among elderly population, yet few studies have measured indicators of nutritional status among Australian aged-care residents. To determine the relationship between nutritional status and bone density, hand grip strength, and the timed-up and go test, in a group of Australian aged-care residents. Anthropometric and biochemical analysis measured in subjects recruited to be part of a six month multivitamin supplementation study. One hundred and fifteen subjects participated (68% female). The mean (SD) age and body weight was 80.2(10.6) years, and 66.5(15.0) kg, respectively. Eleven percent were underweight (body mass index, BMI, ≤20.0kg/m²), and 20% were obese BMI ≥30kg/m²). Low serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D, ≤50 nmol/L) concentrations were found among 79% of subjects. After adjustment for body weight, there was an association between serum 25(OH)D and bone density (heel ultrasound) (r=.204, p=.027). Low serum zinc (≤10.7 μmol/L) concentrations were found among 46% of subjects; this group had a slower timed up and go time compared with those with higher zinc concentrations (n=19, 44.6 ± 5.6 seconds vs. n=27, 30.0 ± 3.3 seconds, p=.020). There were no associations between nutritional markers and hand grip strength. In this group, more than ¾ of subjects had low serum 25(OH)D, and 46% had low zinc concentrations. Serum 25(OH)D was associated a lower bone density and zinc with a slower walking time. This indicates that the elderly in long term residential care facilities are at high risk for poor nutritional status, potentially increasing morbidity and mortality.
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Copyright © 2007 National Health Research Institutes. All Rights Reserved.