Usual Energy and Macronutrient Intakes in a Large Sample of Iranian Middle-Aged and Elderly Populations Publisher Pubmed



Heidari Z¹ ; Feizi A^{1, 2} ; Azadbakht L^{3, 4, 5} ; Mohammadifard N⁶ ; Maghroun M⁷ ; Sarrafzadegan N⁶
Source: Nutrition and Dietetics Published:2019

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the usual distribution of energy and macronutrient intake among a large representative sample of Iranian healthy middle-aged and elderly people. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a second follow-up survey of the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) was carried out; 1922 people aged 40 years and older were investigated. Dietary intakes were collected using 24-hour recall and two or more consecutive food records. Distribution of energy and macronutrient intake was estimated using traditional and National Cancer Institute (NCI) methods. Results: The mean usual intake of energy was 1749.2 kcal based on the NCI method. Carbohydrate constituted 59.98% and protein 17.42% of total energy intake. The mean contributions of total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) to energy intake were 25.74%, 9.5%, 4.92 and 7.75%, respectively. Approximately 7% of studied females aged 51–70 years met the recommended or higher levels for fibre. Females had significantly higher compliance of the recommended cholesterol level than males (age range of 40–70 years; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: It appears that Iranian middle-aged and elderly people are advancing towards a high risk of obesity and non-communicable chronic diseases. Nutritional interventions for improving the diet amongst this at-risk population are necessary. © 2018 Dietitians Association of Australia