Assessment of nutrient intake and associated factors in an Indian elderly population.

A group of 420 elderly people (163 women and 257 men with a mean age of 65 years) from urban and rural populations in India were selected for the study. The caloric intake of 93.3% was less than the recommended allowance, the mean daily caloric intake being 1191 kcal in men and 928 kcal in women. Except for calcium, all nutrients were deficient in their diet. Illiteracy (53%), lack of knowledge regarding daily allowances of nutrients (95%), poor economic background (46.7%), and breaking down of joint family system (63%) were possible associated factors examined.