This study evaluated the differences in dietary adequacy between elderly (age 65 and older) who missed meals and those who did not. Data were obtained from the National Food Consumption Survey (1987-1988). Three-day food consumption records were used to collect the dietary data. Elderly persons who missed a meal during the 3-day period were classified as missing a meal (N=577), and those who did not miss a meal during the 3-day period were classified as not missing a meal (N=479). Nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs) for nutrients were computed and analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results indicated that the elderly who missed a meal had significantly lower NARs for calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium. vitamin E, ascorbic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B6 compared to elderly people who did not miss a meal. These findings may suggest. that elderly who miss meals may consume less than the recommended amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients. Nutritionists and other health practitioners should stress to the elderly the importance of proper nutrition and encourage them to avoid missing meals.
