(P23-014-23) Older Adults’ Dietary Intake in the UK: A Secondary Analysis of National Survey Data

Objectives: Worldwide, the population of older adults is increasing. This presents challenges to health and social care systems, making it essential to understand the nutritional status of this population group. This study’s aim was to examine older adults’ food and nutrient intake and compare against government recommendations.

Methods: The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) collects data on food and dietary intake of the UK’s population. A secondary analysis of NDNS data from 2016-2019, for older adults (≥65 years, n=452) was undertaken. For the analyses, older adults were divided into two groups, 65-74 and ≥75 years. Dietary intake was compared with government guidelines using one sample t-test. Comparison between two age groups was conducted using independent t-tests.

Results: Both groups (65-74 and >75 years) consumed ≤5 portions/day of fruits and vegetables (4.5 and 3.9 portions, respectively), ≤140 g/week of oily fish (90.9 g and 79.5 g, respectively). Red meat intake was within the recommendation of ≤70 g/day (52.7 g and 48.1 g, respectively). The recommendation for free sugars (≤5% total dietary energy intake, TEI) was exceeded (9.0% and 10.2% TEI, respectively), and intake of saturated fatty acids (12.8% and 14.1% TEI, respectively) was surpassed (≤11% TEI). Fibre intake (19.7 g and 17.3 g, respectively) did not meet recommendations (30 g/day).

Conclusions: Older adults’ dietary intake did not meet certain recommendations, including free sugars, saturated fatty acids, fibre, selenium, and potassium. Further work is required to understand intakes and consider the diet quality within this population group.

Funding Sources: This project is being funded by the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) and the University of Leeds, UK.