European journal of clinical nutrition
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Comparative Study
Gender differences in food and nutrient intakes and status indices from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over.
To determine the patterns and possible explanations for gender differences in food choices, nutrient intakes and status indices, especially for micronutrients, in a representative sample of older people living in Britain, who participated in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 y and over during 1994-95. ⋯ There are gender differences in food choices, in energy and nutrient intakes and in nutritional blood status indices in older British people, especially those aged 65-79 y. Some of the status differences are attenuated in the age group of 80 y and older, whereas others are enhanced. The relationships between the quantity and type of foods or nutrients consumed, and nutrient status, are complex. With respect to suspected risk and protective factors for vascular disease, women aged 65-79 y had significantly better status for plasma alpha- and beta-carotene, ascorbate, HDL-cholesterol and homocysteine; but, in contrast, they had lower blood haemoglobin concentrations and higher concentrations of total and non-HDL-cholesterol.
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Comparative Study
An evaluation of salt intake and iodine nutrition in a rural and urban area of the Côte d'Ivoire.
To evaluate the habitual salt intake of individuals living in the Côte d'Ivoire, and to monitor the iodine nutrition of adults, schoolchildren and pregnant women one year after implementation of a universal salt iodisation programme. ⋯ Based on the estimates of salt intake in this study, an optimal iodine level for salt (at the point of consumption) would be 30 ppm. Therefore the current goals for the iodised salt programme--30-50 ppm iodine appear to be appropriate. However, in adults, children and pregnant women from Abidjan, high urinary iodine levels--levels potentially associated with increased risk of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism--are common. These results suggest an urgent need for improved monitoring and surveillance of the current salt iodisation programme in the Côte d'Ivoire.