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

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.