Usual energy and macronutrient intakes in a large sample of Iranian middle-aged and elderly populations.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The present study aimed to assess the usual distribution of energy and macronutrient intake among a large representative sample of Iranian healthy middle-aged and elderly people. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a second follow-up survey of the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) was carried out; 1922 people aged 40 years and older were investigated. Dietary intakes were collected using 24-hour recall and two or more consecutive food records. Distribution of energy and macronutrient intake was estimated using traditional and National Cancer Institute (NCI) methods. RESULTS: The mean usual intake of energy was 1749.2 kcal based on the NCI method. Carbohydrate constituted 59.98% and protein 17.42% of total energy intake. The mean contributions of total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) to energy intake were 25.74%, 9.5%, 4.92 and 7.75%, respectively. Approximately 7% of studied females aged 51-70 years met the recommended or higher levels for fibre. Females had significantly higher compliance of the recommended cholesterol level than males (age range of 40-70 years; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that Iranian middle-aged and elderly people are advancing towards a high risk of obesity and non-communicable chronic diseases. Nutritional interventions for improving the diet amongst this at-risk population are necessary.