ASSESSMENT OF FOOD CONSUMPTION AND NUTRIENT INTAKE OF OUTPATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES AT A UNIVERSITY FEDERAL HOSPITAL IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Background and objectives: The assessment of food consumption is often carried out to develop and implement nutritional advice. Due to the high prevalence of chronic diseases and its relation with nutrient intake, the objective of this study was to assess food consumption and nutrient intake of patients with chronic diseases. Methods: During the consultation, two nutritional questionnaires were applied (non-consecutive two days 24 hour and food frequency) in 45 outpatients from February 2016 to April 2017. Daily food consumption, and quantity of energy, macro and micronutrients related to chronic diseases were estimated. Socio-economic and anthropometric information were also collected. Results: Most respondents (85%) were female, 67% were 50 years or older (58,8 ± 12,1 years), 40% were white, 36% had 4 to 7 years of study, and 82% presented more than one chronic disease. Obesity was observed in 45%, Hypertension in 62%, and Diabetes in 54%. Soft drinks (11%) and sweets (20%) daily consumption were significant; fruits (60%), vegetables (37%), beans (47%) and milk (64%) consumption were considered insufficient. Elevated salt consumption was observed in 13% of individuals. Average energy intake was 1400±420,2 kcal, protein 20,2±6,6%, carbohydrate 52,3±13,8%, lipids 27,5±10,6%. It was observed high prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake for vitamin D (72,2%) and calcium (95,5%) and expressive prevalence for vitamin C (42,8%) and zinc (18,4%). Conclusions: Food consumption and nutrient intake in this group of outpatients with chronic diseases was considered not healthy and preoccupant due to expressive presence of simple sugars and salt as well as insufficient amount of fiber and micronutrients such as calcium and zinc, and vitamins C and D.