The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the intake of food, energy and selected nutrients in elderly outpatients, i.e. women with Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis or stroke.
Sixty-three elderly women aged 64-88 years participated in the study. For assessing dietary intake, a repeated 24-h recall and an estimated food diary for three consecutive days were used.
The mean age was 73.4 +/- 6.6 years. Mean reported daily energy intake was 6.4 +/- 1.7 MJ, i.e. lower than reference figures for all groups. However, looking at nutrient density, only intakes of vitamin E and folate were below recommended levels. The most frequently consumed food groups were bread, coffee, milk products, buns and cookies, and spreads.
The reported energy intake among the elderly female outpatients was low. This might be explained by actual low intake and/or under-reporting. However, the intake of most vitamins and minerals, i.e. nutrient density, was adequate, with the exception of vitamin E and folate intake, which was below recommended levels. Food intake showed large variation and good diet composition, and there was a tendency towards high consumption of food items that are easily prepared and eaten.