Department of Human Nutrition, Warsaw Agricultural University, Poland. Correspondence: Elzbieta Wierzbicka, Department of Human Nutrition, Warsaw Agricultural University, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland. Ph: (48 22) 847-87-41. Fax: (48 22) 847-87-41 o Email: ewierzbicka@alpha.sggw.waw.pl

Abstract: The dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, minerals and vitamins was studied in a group of elderly living in urban, suburban, and rural areas of Warsaw region, Poland. The study was conducted in spring 1999 and 298 persons, born between 1919-1924, randomly selected with criteria of age and place of living, were included. Dietary data were based on the 3-day food records. The energy and nutrients intake was calculated on the basis of tables of nutritive value of food products and compared to the Polish RDA's. Daily food rations of the subjects (except for men living in Warsaw) had an incorrect structure as well as insufficient energy content. The highest (i.e. almost 60% or higher) prevalence of intake lower than 2/3 of Polish RDA's was observed for calcium, magnesium, copper, vitamin B2 and vitamin C as well as for iron and vitamin B1 among women. The average intake of fat, cholesterol, and phosphorus was above recommended level. The differences related to area of living were less pronounced for men than for women. Women from suburban area were the most vulnerable group in respect to nutritional inadequacy.

Keywords: Elderly, energy intake, nutrient intake, living area, Poland.