Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Focus on medical sciences, cilt.7, sa.1, ss.1-5, 2021 (Hakemli Dergi)
Abstract
Introduction: The elderly population is increasing worldwide, which leads to an increase
in aging problems. Therefore, it is extremely important to optimize the nutrition of the elderly. Fiber consumption, which is an important part of the diet, is also an issue that should
be emphasized in old age. This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between daily
dietary fiber intake and malnutrition status of elderly people.
Methods: In this descriptive study, 117 elderly people (43 males and 74 females) living
in their own homes were included. The demographic characteristics of the participants
were questioned with a questionnaire, and their anthropometric measurements (height
and body weight) were taken by the researchers in accordance with their technique. In
order to evaluate the food consumption was used a 24-hour dietary recall method. Bebis
7.2 program was used to evaluate energy, macronutrients, and fiber intake levels. The malnutrition status of people was evaluated with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) short
form. All data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 statistical package program, and p < 0.05
was considered a statistically significant difference.
Results: The mean age of the males in the study was 73.0±6.62 years, while the females
were 71.5 ± 5.87 years. Energy (kcal) of males compared to females (1851.9 ± 500.40;
1518.5 ± 516.55), protein (g) (63.7 ± 21.38; 52.5 ± 20.20.82), fat (g) (72.0 ± 26.18; 61.0
± 27.07) and carbohydrate (g) (231.3 ± 84.00; 185.0 ± 69.80) consumption amounts
were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Fiber consumption was determined as 14.8 ± 5.02
g per 1000 kcal for males and 15.9 ± 5.58 g for females (p > 0.05). When the total fiber
consumption is examined, the total fiber consumption of males is 27.1 ± 10.50 and it was
found to be 23.5 ± 9.83 g for females (p > 0.05). In addition, both soluble and insoluble
fiber consumption amounts of males (9.5 ± 4.28; 17.5 ± 6.77 g, respectively) compared to
females (8.0 ± 3.70; 15.3 ± 6.41 g, respectively) were determined more (p > 0.05). When
the energy and macronutrients and fiber intake levels of the diet were evaluated according to MNA scores, it was determined that the consumption levels increased as the MNA
score increased in males, and on the contrary, the consumption decreased as the MNA
scores increased in females (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Considering the total fiber consumption of the participants, those who have
sufficient daily (14 g/1000 kcal) fiber intake constitute approximately half of both male
and female participants. In groups at risk in terms of malnutrition, a decrease in fiber intake
is an expected result. Since it is likely to affect the clinical situation more negatively, the
consumption of both soluble and insoluble fiber sources should be increased with various
dietary adjustments. Considering the health benefits of soluble and insoluble fiber, it is
very important to ensure adequate intake levels in elderly people