Intake and blood levels of some minerals in an elderly Chinese population.

Twenty-four hour intakes of potassium, calcium, and iron, and plasma concentration of potassium, copper and zinc were determined in a cluster sample of 400 apparently healthy subjects aged 60 years and over living in the community. Potassium and calcium intakes were lower in older men and lower in men compared to women. Both were much lower than intakes reported among Caucasian elderly, while iron intakes are comparable. Plasma potassium concentration was lower than values from studies of all ages and from studies of Caucasian elderly subjects. Copper and zinc concentrations were comparable to published values for adults of all ages. The significance of low potassium and calcium intake among elderly subjects in the population is discussed.