* Lecturer, ** NHMRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow, *** Associate Professor, Dept. Public Health - Nutrition Unit, Flinders University of South Australia. Correspondence: Dr Elaine Bannerman, Nutrition Unit, Dept Public health, Flinders University of South Australia, PO Box 2100 Adelaide, South Australia 5001. Tel 61 8 8204 5328. Fax 61 8 8204 5693. email: elaine.bannerman@flinders.edu.au

Abstract: Purpose: To determine the proportion of Australian adults >65 years with nutrient intakes less than 70% of the current national RDIs and investigate associated differences in both diet quality and quantity. Method: Intake data were collected as part of the National Nutrition Survey 1995 representing all areas of Australia. Dietary intake of 1960 (902 males) adults >65 years was assessed using a structured 24-hour diet recall. Intakes of 12 micronutrients were compared with current Australian recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) and assessed as > RDI, < RDI but > 70% RDI, and < 70% RDI. Results: Intakes of vitamin A, magnesium, potassium and calcium were < 70% RDI in 12-24% males and 14-61% females. In addition 10% and 43% females had low intakes of folate and zinc respectively. None of the participants had intakes of niacin or vitamin C < 70% RDI, and few males had low thiamin intakes. Specific nutrient density and energy intake (kJ/kg) were significantly less in those with intakes < 70% RDI for eight of the 12 nutrients studied. Conclusions: In general the low nutrient intakes reported here can be attributed to diets of poor quality, in terms of low nutrient density, and quantity of food eaten. Age-specific targeted nutrition promotion strategies are required to improve overall health of older Australians.

Keywords: Micro-nutrients, elderly, dietary intake, diet quality, RDIs.