Nutrient consumption by adults and seniors in a population-based study: the Bambuí Project

A nutritional survey was performed in a random sample of 550 individuals ( > or = 18 years) in Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire calibrated with 24-hour recall. Comparisons used means, proportions, and the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR: 90.0-110.0%). Adequate intake was reported in only 2.4% of the individuals for carbohydrate, 17.6% for protein, 0.0 to 5.1% for vitamins, and 0.0 to 21.1% for minerals. NAR was influenced by gender and age: 90.2% and 91.8% of women presented low iron and B6 vitamin intake, respectively. Meanwhile, 87.7% of men reported excess iron, 80.3% phosphorous, and 11.9% cholesterol. Regarding aging, 64.3% of elderly (>or= 60 years old) reported low protein intake and 39.3% inadequate lipid fraction balance (P/S); 35.7% reported high unsaturated fatty acid intake. For adults (18-59 years), 67.8% reported excess protein and 53.4% deficient iron intake. In this population, high lipid consumption and low intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals pose an important public health problem and may contribute to an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases.