[Relationship between vitamin status (A, B1, B2, B6, and C), clinical features and nutritional habits in a population of old people (author's transl)].

112 patients in a medical ward were examined clinically and biochemically with regard to their vitamin status (plasma vitamin A, plasma vitamin C, blood glutathione reductase, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, N-methyl nicotinic acid amide and pyridoxic acid excretion). The nutritional habits were assessed by means of a questionnaire. The results of these two examinations were correlated with the clinical findings. The assessment of the vitamin B2 status showed a deficiency in 8 cases and a marginal vitamin B2 supply in a further 4 cases. The thiamine intake was insufficient in 43 cases and marginal in 42 cases. The biochemical assessment of vitamins C, B1 and PP indicated a deficiency of these vitamins. Dermatological signs pointed to a deficiency of vitamins A and B2. There was a significant correlation between the plasma vitamin A level and the serum iron level. The importance of milk and vegetables in the diet is stressed and also the association between milk consumption and the serum cholesterol level.