Datos de composición de alimentos en Costa Rica: Fuentes, usos e impacto en políticas públicas / Food Composition Data in Costa Rica: Sources, Uses, and impact on public policies

Introducción: Las bases de datos y las tablas de composición de alimentos (BDCA y TCA, respectivamente) contienen información sobre la composición química-nutricional de los alimentos. Objetivo: Definir las fuentes de los datos de composición de alimentos que se usan en Costa Rica y que impacto tienen a nivel de políticas públicas. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron las TCA y BDCA disponibles en Costa Rica desde 1960 hasta el 2020. Se encuestaron usuarios de datos de composición de alimentos. Se analizaron los usos de estos datos y algunos alcances a nivel de política pública. Resultados: Se identifica la utilización predominante de datos de la BDCA de Estados Unidos, los datos nacionales son desactualizados en su mayoría y hay pocos datos de análisis directo (químico) de alimentos. Se evidencia la importancia de contar con datos propios, actualizados y representativos de composición de alimentos para la toma de decisiones en salud pública. Conclusiones: Se deben vincular las instituciones generadoras y compiladoras para maximizar los recursos para fortalecer la disponibilidad de datos de composición de alimentos en el país. Se evidencia la necesidad de generar un Sistema Nacional de Datos de Composición de Alimentos que se ajuste a las necesidades identificadas en cuanto a la calidad y presentación de la información(AU)

Introduction: Databases and food composition tables (FCDB and FCT, respectively) provide information about the chemical-nutritional composition of foods. Objective: of this work was to define the sources of food composition data used in Costa Rica and their impact on public policies. Materials and methods: It was analyzed which TCA and FCDB have been available in Costa Rica from 1960 to 2020. Users were surveyed about food composition data. It was analyzed the uses of these data and some of their impacts on public policy. Results: The predominant use of data from the U.S. FCDB is identified, the national data are mostly outdated, and there is little data from direct (chemical) analysis of food. The importance of having our own, up- to-date, and representative data on food composition for public health decision-making is evident. Conclusions: Generating and compiling institutions should be linked to maximize resources to strengthen the availability of food composition data in the country. The need to generate a National Food Composition Data System that meets the identified needs in terms of quality and presentation of information is evident(AU)

Prevalência de sarcopenia em idosos e sua associação com a ingestão de nutrientes dietéticos / Prevalence of sarcopenia in the older adults and its association with dietary nutrient intake

Este estudo teve o objetivo de verificar a prevalência de sarcopenia em idosos e sua associação com a ingestão de nutrientes dietéticos. Estudo quantitativo, transversal e analítico desenvolvido com 114 idosos adscritos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde localizada em Mossoró (RN). A coleta foi realizada por meio de um questionário sociodemográfico, inquérito dietético, avaliação nutricional e antropométrica. Para determinação da sarcopenia, utilizou-se testes como o Timed up and go, de preensão manual e equação preditiva de massa muscular esquelética. Identificou-se prevalência de sarcopenia de 26,32%, concomitante à presença de depleção de massa muscular, baixo peso, fator de risco aumentado com o avançar da idade e desempenho físico inadequado. Constatou-se que a chance dos idosos com idade até 70 anos apresentar sarcopenia diminuiu em 73%, contraposto aos com idade acima de 70 anos e que as chances dos usuários com Timed up and go adequado apresentarem a doença diminui em 75% comparada aos participantes que apresentaram inadequação no desempenho físico. Verificou-se que os idosos sarcopênicos consu-miam quantidades reduzidas de muitos micronutrientes, como: vitamina D, E, C, B2, B3, B12, magnésio, selênio e zinco, além de apresentarem dieta inadequada em energia e proteínas, comparados aos não sarcopênicos. Ressalta-se a necessidade da expansão de conhecimentos sobre alimentação, prevenção e tratamento da sarcopenia.

This study aimed to verify the prevalence of sarcopenia in the elderly and its association with dietary nutrient intake. Quantitative, cross-sectional and analytical study developed with 114 elderly enrolled in a Basic Health Unit located in Mossoró (RN). Data were collected using a sociodemographic question-naire, dietary survey, nutritional and anthropometric assessment. To determine sarcopenia, tests such as Timed up and go, handgrip and predictive equation of skeletal muscle mass were used. A prevalence of sarcopenia of 26.32% was identified, concomitant with the presence of muscle mass depletion, low weight, increased risk factor with advancing age and inadequate physical performance. It was found that the chance of elderly people aged up to 70 years to present sarcopenia decreased by 73%, compared to those aged over 70 years and that the chances of users with adequate Timed up and go to present the disease decreased by 75% compared to participants who showed inadequate physical performance. It was found that sarcopenic elderly consumed reduced amounts of many micronutrients, such as: vitamin D, E, C, B2, B3, B12, magnesium, selenium and zinc, in addition to having an inadequate diet in terms of energy and protein, compared to non-sarcopenic individuals. It emphasizes the need to expand knowledge about food, prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

Nutrición cardiometabólica en el mundo real de la práctica clínica / Cardiometabolic nutrition in the real world of clinical practice

La importancia de la nutrición en modificar el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica (ECVA) se ha enfatizado repetidas veces. Históricamente, el papel de los componentes dietarios ha sido el foco predominante; sin embargo, los alimentos, típicamente, se consumen en combinación más que aisladamente. En los últimos años, se ha puesto una mayor atención a los patrones dietarios y su relación con eventos clínicos del tipo de la ECVA, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y obesidad; paradójicamente, existe una brecha en la educación nutricional en las escuelas de medicina de todo el mundo. Por lo general, una dieta no saludable está asociada con alteraciones cardiometabólicas, una condición clínica que, gradualmente, puede empeorar y conducir a diversos factores comunes de riesgo de enfermedades crónicas, a mayor morbilidad y mortalidad y menoscabo en la calidad de vida. El público en general debe satisfacer la cantidad de calorías requeridas con una variedad de alimentos densos en nutrientes que abarquen todos los grupos de alimentos para mantener la salud a largo plazo. El estilo de patrones saludables de comer varía individualmente y frecuentemente refleja las preferencias culturales y personales. Una alimentación no saludable puede causar una elevación de la producción posprandial de insulina e hipersecreción crónica de insulina e hiperinsulinemia, lo cual promueve la acumulación de grasa, previene la lipólisis y causa incremento en el riesgo de desarrollar ECVA, obesidad y diabetes tipo(AU)

The importance of nutrition in modifying the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) has been repeatedly emphasized. Historically, the role of dietary components has been the predominant focus; however, foods are typically consumed in combinations rather than individually. Over the last few years, increasing attention has been given to dietary patterns and their relationship to clinical events such as ACVD, type 2 diabetes and obesity; paradoxically, there is a gap in nutrition education in medical school around the globe. An unhealthy diet is usually associated with cardiometabolic alterations, a clinical situation that can progressively worse, potentially leading to various common risk factors, increased morbidity and mortality, and reduced quality of life. People should aim to fulfill their recommended calorie intake with a variety of nutrient-dense foods that span all food groups to boost long-term health. Healthy eating styles may vary from individual to individual and frequently reflect cultural and personal preferences. An unhealthy diet may cause a high postprandial insulin production and chronic insulin hypersecretion and hyperinsulinemia, which promote fat storage, prevent lipolysis and cause increased the risk for developing ACVD, obesity and type 2 diabetes

Are women with breast cancer more likely to follow dietary recommendations and have sufficient vitamin A intake compared to healthy c ontrols? / ¿Es posible que las mujeres con cáncer de mama sigan las recomendaciones dietéticas y tengan una ingesta suficiente de vitamina A en comparación con las mujeres controles?

To evaluate differences in dietary habits among women with breast cancer versus healthy controls. We conducted a case-control study with 160 women with and without cancer, pairing 1:1. Socio-demographic variables and food consumption were investigated through three food recalls, which was corrected for energy variation using the residual method. Data analysis was performed using Kolmogorov- Smirnov, Student's t, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon Two-Sample tests and calculating odds ratios with level of significance of p<0.05. The majority (87.5%) of women with breast cancer did not follow dietary recommendations. Women with breast cancer (cases) had higher odds of not following dietary recommendations compared to controls (OR= 3.37, 95%CI= 1.50-7.58, p= 0.004). Regarding consumption of micro and macronutrients, breast cancer patients had increased odds of insufficient vitamin A intake compared to controls (OR= 2.46, 95%CI= 1.19-5.05, p<0.01). The results suggest the women with breast cancer are more likely to not follow dietary recommendation and have insufficient consumption of vitamin A compared to women without breast cancer.

Evaluar diferencias en los hábitos alimentarios de mujeres con cáncer de mama y mujeres normales. Estudio de casos y controles con 160 mujeres con y sin cáncer y emparejamiento de l:l. Se investigaron las variablessociodemográ-ficas y el consumo de alimentos mediante tres encuestas alimentarias, sometidas a la corrección de la variación de energía por el método residual. El análisis fueran realizados por Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-Student, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon y Odds Ratio con nivel de significación: p<0,05. La mayoría de las mujeres con cáncer de mama (87,5%) no siguió las recomendaciones dietéticas. Las mujeres con cáncer de mama tuvieron un mayor riesgo de no seguir las recomendaciones dietéticas en comparación con los controles 3.37 (IC 95%= 1.50-7.58, p= 0.004). Con respecto al consumo de micro y macronutrientes, las mujeres concáncer de mama tuvieron un mayor riesgo de ingesta insuficiente de vitamina A en comparación con los controles (OR= 2.46, IC 95%= 1.19-5.05, p<0.0l). Los resultados sugieren que las mujeres con cáncer de mama tienen más riesgo de no seguir las recomendaciones dietéticas con un consumo insuficiente de vitamina A en comparación con las mujeres sin cáncer de mama.

Dietary intake and adequacy of energy and nutrients in Mexican adolescents: Results from Ensanut 2012 / Ingesta dietética y adecuación de energía y nutrimentos en adolescentes mexicanos: resultados de la Ensanut 2012

Abstract Objective To estimate energy and nutrient intakes and adequacies in Mexican adolescents. Materials and methods Dietary intake was assessed in 1 961 adolescents who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (Ensanut 2012), by a food frequency questionnaire. Medians of intakes and adequacies were estimated for energy, macro- and micronutrients and are presented by residence area, region and household wealth index (HWI). Consumption by food groups was estimated. Results Median daily energy intake was 2 000 Kcal in males and 1 800 Kcal in females. High prevalences of inadequacy were observed for fiber, PUFAs, iron, zinc and calcium. These inadequacies were higher among individuals of low HWI. Moreover, excessive intakes of total and saturated fat were higher among adolescents of higher HWI. Conclusion The diet of Mexican adolescents is deficient in essential nutrients for good health and high in saturated fat. Actions are needed to promote a healthy diet.

Resumen Objetivo Estimar la ingesta de energía, nutrientes e inadecuaciones en adolescentes mexicanos. Material y métodos La ingesta se evaluó en 1 961 adolescentes mexicanos participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012 (Ensanut 2012), mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia. Se calcularon las medianas de ingestas y adecuaciones para la energía, macro y micronutrientes, y el consumo por grupo de alimentos. Resultados La ingesta energética diaria fue de 2 000 kcal en varones y 1 800 kcal en las mujeres. Se observó una alta prevalencia de inadecuación de fibra, grasa poliinsaturada, hierro, zinc y calcio. Las inadecuaciones fueron mayores en el índice de bienestar bajo, mientras que el nivel alto se caracterizó por ingesta excesiva de grasas. Conclusión La dieta de los adolescentes mexicanos es deficiente en nutrientes esenciales para la buena salud y es excesiva en grasas saturadas. Es necesario promover una dieta saludable.

Ingestão de energia e nutrientes segundo consumo de alimentos fora do lar na Região Nordeste: uma análise do Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação 2008-2009 / Energy and nutrient intake according to away-from-home food consumption in the Northeast Region: an analysis of the 2008-2009 National Dietary Survey

RESUMO: Introdução: O consumo de alimentos fora do lar vem crescendo no Brasil, sendo associado a escolhas alimentares menos nutritivas. Objetivo: Descrever a ingestão de energia e nutrientes específicos entre consumidores e não consumidores de alimentos fora do lar, na Região Nordeste. Métodos: Foram analisados dados do Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação (INA), provenientes da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) 2008-2009, em uma amostra de 11.674 indivíduos residentes na Região Nordeste, que forneceram dois registros alimentares em dias não consecutivos, com informação sobre o local de consumo dos alimentos (dentro ou fora do lar). Alimentação fora do lar foi definida como todo alimento adquirido e consumido fora de casa. Modelos de regressão linear foram desenvolvidos para avaliar a relação entre o consumo alimentar fora do lar em um dos dois dias de registro e a ingestão de energia e nutrientes, ajustados por idade, sexo e renda per capita. Resultados: O consumo de alimentos fora do lar, em pelo menos um dos dois dias de registro alimentar, foi reportado por 42% dos indivíduos. Os indivíduos que consomem alimentos fora do lar apresentaram pior ingestão de nutrientes em comparação com os que não consomem alimentos fora do lar, com maior consumo de energia, açúcar livre, gordura saturada, gordura trans e menor ingestão de proteína, ferro e fibra alimentar, independente da idade, sexo e renda (p < 0,05). Conclusão: A alimentação fora do lar no Nordeste contribuiu para uma maior ingestão de energia e uma pior ingestão de nutrientes. Assim, faz-se necessária a elaboração de políticas públicas e estratégias que favoreçam a escolha de alimentos mais saudáveis quando os indivíduos optam por se alimentar fora do lar.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Away-from-home food consumption has increased in Brazil and is associated with fewer nutritious food choices. Objective: To describe energy and specific nutrient intake among consumers and non-consumer of away-from-home food in the Northeast Region. Methods: A sample of 11,674 individuals from the National Dietary Survey data, which is part of the 2008-2009 Household Budget Survey, from the Northeast Region, was analyzed. Individuals provided two dietary records in nonconsecutive days, informing the place where foods were consumed (at-home or away-from-home). Away-from-home food was defined as foods acquired and consumed away from home. Linear regression models were developed to assess the relationship between away-from-home food consumption in one of the two-day food record and the energy and nutrient intake, adjusted for age, gender, and per capita income. Results: Away-from-home food consumption, in at least one of the two-day food record, was reported by 42% of individuals in the Northeast Region. Individuals who consumed food away from home in the Northeast Region presented poor nutrient intake compared to those who did not report consumption away from home, with higher intake of energy, free sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat and lower intake of protein, iron, and dietary fiber, regardless of age, gender, and income (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Away-from-home food consumption in the Northeast Region contributed to higher energy and poorer nutrient intake. Therefore, the development of public policies and strategies that favor health food choices when individuals eat away from home is necessary.

Estudio venezolano de nutrición y salud: consumo de energía y nutrientes. Grupo del estudio latinoamericano de nutrición y salud / The venezuelan study of nutrition and health: energy and nutrients intake. Latin american study of nutrition and health study group

La información del consumo de alimentos y bebidas en la población venezolana es indispensable para identificar problemas nutricionales y grupos en riesgo, por edad, áreas geográficas y niveles socioeconómicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las características de la ingesta promedio de alimentos en la población entre 15 y 65 años en Venezuela durante el año 2015. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 1132 sujetos, a quienes se les aplicó 2 recordatorios de 24 horas, no consecutivos con la metodología de pasos múltiples, y un cuestionario de frecuencia cualitativa sobre la ingesta de bebidas. El consumo promedio de calorías fue de 1.925 kcal, distribuidas en: 16,3% proteínas, 30,2% grasas, 52,4% carbohidratos y 1,1% alcohol. El 79,2% de la muestra presenta una dieta habitual inadecuada por déficit en calorías. La deficiencia en minerales fue mayor en mujeres, calcio (92,9%), hierro (42,2%) y zinc (76,6%). La mayoría de los encuestados realizaron 3 comidas al día. El almuerzo fue la comida que predominó en la ingesta diaria, seguida en orden decreciente por desayuno y cena. Las bebidas azucaradas jugos de frutas y gaseosas son una importante fuente de carbohidratos simples. El estudio EVANS 2015 muestra una caída importante en el consumo de macro y micronutrientes, en especial en los estratos sociales y niveles educativos más bajos y en los adultos mayores, que es diferente por regiones, lo cual está generando en sectores vulnerables un estado nutricional y de salud deficiente, con el aumento consecuente de las enfermedades por déficit de calorías y nutrientes(AU)

Obtaining reliable information on food and beverage consumption in Venezuelan population is imperative for identifying nutritional problems and groups of populations at risk. The objective of this study was to analyze average intake of foods on population between 15 and 65 years in Venezuela during 2015. A cross sectional study was carried out in a sample of 1132 subjects, to which two nonconsecutives 24h recalls were applied using the multiple pass methodology, also a food frequency questionnaire for beverage intake was performed. This study reported an average caloric intake of 1925 kcal, distributed as follows: 16.3% of proteins, 30.2% of fats and 52.4% of carbohydrates and 1.1% of alcohol. 79.2% of the sample showed an inadequate caloric intake. Mineral deficiency was higher in women, calcium (92.9%), iron (42.2%) and zinc (76.6%). The majority of the subjects had 3 meals per day during the days of the interviews. Lunch was the predominant meal on daily intake, followed by breakfast and dinner. Sugary sweetened beverages appeared as an important source of simple carbohydrates. EVANS intake study reported a relevant decrease on the intake of macro and micro nutrients, particularly within lower socioeconomic status and education levels, as well as in older adults, which eventually could lead to an impaired nutrition and health status, with an increase of diseases associated to caloric and nutrients deficit(AU)

Nutrição e saúde óssea: a importância do cálcio, fósforo, magnésio e proteínas / Nutrition and bone health: the importance of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein

A osteoporose é uma doença silenciosa que afeta, especialmente, as mulheres na pós-menopausa, e suas principais consequências são as fraturas. Medidas não farmacológicas, tais como uma nutrição adequada, podem ajudar a manter a massa óssea, retardando o aparecimento da osteoporose. Nessa revisão, será abordada a importância da nutrição adequada nesta fase da vida, com ênfase para o cálcio, fósforo, magnésio e proteínas. Tanto uma baixa ingestão desses nutrientes quanto um excesso de cálcio e fosforo parecem estar associados a um risco maior de fraturas. Uma dieta balanceada pode vir a diminuir o impacto do envelhecimento na saúde óssea(AU)

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that affects especially women after menopause, and its main consequences are the fractures. Non-pharmacological measures, such as proper nutrition, can help maintain bone mass delaying the onset of osteoporosis. Here the authors review the importance of proper nutrition at this stage of life, with emphasis on calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein. Both a low intake of these nutrients and an excess of calcium and phosphorus seem to be associated with an increased risk of fractures. A balanced diet can come to lessen the impact of aging on bone health(AU)

Consumo de antioxidantes em participantes do ELSA-Brasil: resultados da linha de base / Dietary intake of antioxidant in ELSA-Brasil population: baseline results

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo habitual de antioxidantes (vitaminas A, E e C, selênio e zinco) e identificar fatores associados ao baixo consumo em adultos. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 14.660 participantes (35 a 74 anos) da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). O consumo de antioxidantes e energia total foi determinado por Questionário de Frequência Alimentar e analisado com auxílio do software NDSR. O consumo dos antioxidantes foi ajustado pela energia total e dividido em quintis. Variáveis socioeconômicas foram analisadas e incluídas no modelo de regressão logística para identificar fatores associados ao baixo consumo. Resultados: O consumo energético (kcal/dia) foi maior em homens (3.152 ± 1.026 versus 2.613 ± 905; p < 0,001) enquanto que o consumo de todos os antioxidantes (principalmente as vitaminas A e C e o selênio) foi maior em mulheres. O baixo consumo de antioxidantes se associou significativamente ao sexo masculino (OR = 3,5; IC95% 3,11 - 4,0), à menor escolaridade (OR = 3,1; IC95% 2,42 - 3,87), à menor renda (OR = 4,4; IC95% 3,67 - 5,36), à menor faixa etária (OR = 5,5; IC95% 4,27 - 7,16), ao estado de magreza (OR = 2,7; IC95% 1,36 - 5,18), ao relato do não uso de suplemento (OR = 1,95; IC95% 1,6 - 2,38) como polivitamínicos e minerais e a não alteração de hábitos alimentares nos últimos seis meses (OR = 2,0; IC95% 1,75 - 2,29). Conclusão: O maior consumo de frutas e legumes está envolvido no maior consumo de antioxidantes em mulheres. As políticas para aumento do consumo desses nutrientes precisam ser dirigidas para os segmentos de menores renda, escolaridade e faixa etária.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To quantify the antioxidant consumption (vitamins A, C and E and minerals selenium and zinc) and to identify factors associated to low consumption of these nutrients. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 14,660 participants (35 to 74 years-old) investigated in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) baseline. Consumption of antioxidants and energy was determined by a Food Frequency Questionnaire and analyzed using the NDSR software. Antioxidant consumption was adjusted to total energy and divided in quintiles. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify socioeconomic factors associated with low intake of these nutrients. Results: Consumption of energy (kcal/day) was higher in men (3,152 ± 1,026 versus 2,613 ± 905; p < 0.001) whereas the consumption of all antioxidants (mainly vitamins A and E and selenium) was higher in females. Low antioxidant consumption was associated to male sex (OR = 3.5; 95%CI 3.11 - 4.0) and to lower education (OR = 3.1; 95%CI 2.42 - 3.87), income (OR = 4.4; 95%CI 3.67 - 5.36) and age (OR = 5.5; 95%CI 4.27 - 7.16), as well as to thinness (OR = 2.7; 95%CI 1.36 - 5.18) and when participants did not reported the use of supplements (OR = 1.95; 95%CI 1.6 - 2.38) or change of eating habits in the last six months (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 1.75 - 2.29). Conclusion: The greater intake of fruits and vegetables is likely to be involved in the higher consumption of antioxidants in females. General policies to increase the consumption of such nutrients should be directed to groups of lower income, education and age.

Consumo de nutrientes em idosos residentes em Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil: um estudo de base populacional / Consumption of nutrients among the elderly living in Porto Alegre in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: a population-based study

Resumo Para descrever o perfil de consumo de nutrientes e verificar a sua associação com as variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde, desenvolveu-se um estudo transversal, de base populacional em uma amostra aleatória de 427 idosos residentes em Porto Alegre, Brasil. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado através do Inquérito Recordatório de 24 Horas e Investigação da História Dietética. Dos idosos entrevistados, 70% eram mulheres; 48,5% possuíam entre 60 e 69 anos; 68,8% possuíam menos de 8 anos de escolaridade; 39,0%, renda familiar entre 2 e 5 salários mínimos; e 58,4% não praticava exercício físico. A hipertensão foi a doença mais prevalente, e 54,9% dos idosos estavam abaixo do peso. Os homens consumiam mais calorias, proteínas, fibras, minerais e vitaminas do que as mulheres. O consumo de carboidrato e cálcio aumentou conforme o avanço da idade, assim como diminuiu a ingestão de zinco. A prática de exercício físico elevou o consumo de calorias, magnésio, potássio e fósforo. Quanto maior a escolaridade, maior é o consumo de vitaminas B6 e B12; quanto maior a renda familiar, maior o consumo de vitamina B6 e ácido fólico. Os resultados demonstram que há deficiências nutricionais na alimentação diária da nossa população de idosos, principalmente entre as mulheres e os indivíduos acima de 80 anos.

Abstract A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted on a random sample of 427 elderly individuals living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, to establish the nutrient consumption profile and verify its association with sociodemographic and health variables. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hour Food Recall Survey and the Dietetic Research Investigation technique. Seventy percent of the elderly respondents were women: 48.5% were between 60 and 69 years old; 68.8% had less than 8 years of schooling; 39% had a family income of between 2 and 5 minimum wages and 58.4% took no physical exercise. Hypertension was the most prevalent disease among the elderly and 54.9% were underweight. Men consumed more calories, protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins than women. Carbohydrate and calcium intake increases with advancing age, while zinc intake decreases. Physical exercise increased the intake of calories, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. The higher the schooling the greater the intake of vitamins B6 and B12; the higher the family income, the greater the consumption of vitamin B6 and folic acid. The results show that there are nutritional deficiencies in the daily diet of the Brazilian elderly population, especially among women and individuals over 80 years of age.