Dietary intake and nutritional status of older adult homeless women: a pilot study.

A pilot study was conducted to identify eating patterns, food sources, and nutritional problems among a limited population of older homeless women located in a large urban area. Most of these women's food came from shelter meals, and their food intake was inadequate for most nutrients. The availability of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains was very limited. Foods high in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates provided most of their caloric intake. Although some women were obese, most were found to have low BMI and mid-arm muscle mass area measurements indicating low body fat stores and potential muscle wasting.