Dietary Challenges in the Population of Nursing Homes' Residents

Dietary Challenges in the Population of Nursing Homes' Residents in Slovenia

To obtain up-to-date data on nutritional status of older adults, a national dietary survey will be conducted in 2022/2023, providing data on the consumption of foods and enabling the assessment intakes of energy and specific nutrients. Participating subjects will be also screened for micronutrient status using blood biomarkers (focusing into vitamin D, folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 65 years or older
• Has been in the elderly care institution (nursing home) for at least 3 months before joining the study
• Care category: I., II., III.A
• The person can feed independently or with minimal help
• Agrees to be included in the study (signed a statement of consent)

Exclusion Criteria:

• The person has an acute illness
• The person is a dialysis patient
• Temporary special diet / fasting / gastrointestinal cleansing (i.e. due to (pre)planned examinations / procedures)
• The person cannot be weighted by the usual weighing scale or chair weighing scale
• Protégé of the day care center
• Located in the red zone of the elderly care institution (nursing home) (COVID-19 measures)