Aging of the population is characteristic of most developed countries. With the increasing number of older adults, the number of those living in nursing homes is also increasing. Due to age-related physiological changes, nursing home residents are already nutritionally at greater nutritional risk, and additional risks may arise from associated various diseases. Dietary guidelines for older adults are intended to limit such risks. are tailored to minimize these risks. The purpose of our research was to evaluate the nutritional intake of nursing home residents and the composition of the menus offered in nursing homes. A total of 173 older adults from thirteen nursing homes from different regions of Slovenia were included. We collected anthropometric data on each subject and with using methods such as 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), we gained insight into both their short-term and long-term dietary intake. According to the ESPEN guidelines for clinical nutrition and geriatrics and the national reference values, the intake of carbohydrates and dietary fibre was too low for most residents, and the intake of fats was too high. Minimum recommended protein intake was achieved in 59 % of residents. Energy intake was adequate for 89 % of women and 68 % of men when compared to the national reference values, while according to ESPEN guidelines, 63 % of nursing home residents did not consume enough energy. The composition of the studied menus also indicated an insufficient dietary fibre intake (average value 22,7 g), according to the guidelines for the implementation of nutritional care in the nursing homes, the intake of carbohydrates (48 %) was adequate, and the intake of fats was too high (36 %). According to the national reference values, the amount of protein in most homes was adequate when compared with recommendations, and energy value was achieved mainly for women, but not for men.
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