Intakes and serum levels of protein and iron for 70 elderly women.

Calculated protein and iron intakes, serum protein levels, and measurements of iron nutriture for elderly women were related to age, income, education, and type type of residence. Low or deficient levels of total serum protein and albumin were observed for 36 and 20% of the subjects and low hemoglobin and elevated total iron-binding capacity values were recorded for 19 and 40% of the subjects. Values below the acceptable standards for albumin and hemoglobin and above the acceptable range for total iron-binding capacity were greater for nursing home patients than for private home residents. Nutrition intervention appears to be a crucial part of correction of the deficient biochemical measurements which may result from malnutrition and/or pathological conditions.