Preliminary observations on the dietary status of participants in the Title III-C meal program

Extract: Food intakes, nutrition knowledge, and selected demographic and personal information were collected from a group of 169 participants in the National Nutrition Program for the elderly in a Maryland county. Mean intakes of most nutrients were high, relative to the RDA's, but ranges of nutrients consumed showed a considerable variation among the group. Intakes of calcium and thiamin, by females, were lower than those of males. Scores on a nutrition knowledge test were generally low, indicating a need for improved nutrition education efforts in the meal program. Other factors related to dietary status and nutrition knowledge are reviewed and discussed. (author).