Health, laxation, and food habit influences on fiber intake of older women.

Fifty-nine elderly women interviewed about their food behavior, health, and laxation showed mean dietary fiber (DF) intakes of 14 gm. per day (range 3 to 34 gm. per day). DF intakes were lower for those in poor health and those with a tendency to constipation who took laxatives than for those who did not take laxatives or had no tendency to constipation. Factors not related to DF intake included age, participation in a meal program, living arrangements, understanding of fiber, and functional health. Cooked vegetables and bread added most to DF intakes.