Evaluation on the dietary nutrition of the elderly in different regions in Hubei Province

Objective To investigate the characteristics and trend of the dietary pattern of the Hubei residents aged 45 and above during the period of 1991 to 2006.Methods The study was based on the data collected in 1991,1993,1997,2000,2004 and 2006 from the (China Health and Nutrition Survey).The sample was the elderly aged 45 and above.The percentage of energy,protein and fat intake in the recommended intake (RNI),the proportion of energy,protein from cereal and animal food and protein in the total energy,and the protein intake were as the indicators of nutrient intake and dietary change.Results In 2006,the percentage of high-quality protein in the total protein was at the recommended intake level in urban,suburban and county side.While from 1991 to 2006,the high-quality protein from beans and animal food in the rural residents increased slowly,the proportion in the total protein was only 28.5%,lower than the recommended intake.Compared with the upper ratio of the recommended intake level (30%),the proportion of energy from fat among the middle-aged and old residents in urban areas was relatively higher,which was 31.3% in 1993,1997,2000 and 2006.The amount of edible oil and fat consumption both exceeded 30 grams per day in urban,suburban,county,and rural areas,which was higher than that of the recommended balanced diet tower of the (Dietary Guidelines for Chinese residents).Conclusions From 1991 to 2006,animal food consumption had a significant increase in the middle-aged and elderly of the urban,suburban and county area.While at the same time,the consumption of plant food declined.However,the change in the diet pattern of the rural residents was not obvious,the overall food quality was still poor in rural area.It was concluded that the protein and energy intake had met the basic need in different regions,but the high-quality protein intake of rural residents still needs to be improved.For the city residents,fat intake should be controlled,and the high intake of edible oil and fat should be effectively limited in the urban,suburban,county,and rural areas.