P806 - MODELING DIETARY CHANGES: HOW SUSTAINABLE EATING AFFECTS MICRONUTRIENT INTAKE IN OLDER ADULTS

P806

MODELING DIETARY CHANGES: HOW SUSTAINABLE EATING AFFECTS MICRONUTRIENT INTAKE IN OLDER ADULTS

J. Borkent¹, P. Grootswagers², L. Valbuena², M. de van der schueren^1,*

¹Hogeschool Arnhem en Nijmegen, Nijmegen, ²Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands

Rationale: Transitioning to more sustainable eating habits with less animal-based protein affects not only protein intake but also micronutrient consumption. Given that older adults are already vulnerable to insufficient micronutrient levels, such dietary changes could further heighten their risk of deficiencies.

Methods: Data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2019–2021 of community-dwelling older adults (age ≥65 y, n=607) was used. We simulated a loose flexitarian, strict flexitarian (40% and 80% of meat/fish replaced, respectively), pescetarian, vegetarian and vegan diet. Simulations were performed by gram for gram substitution of animal products with a diet-appropriate replacement product selected randomly out of 12 options The study assessed habitual intake of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin E, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium for all diets. Intake was compared to the estimated average requirement (EAR) or adequate intake based on the Dutch dietary reference values. Nutrient intake was considered low if more than 10% of participants did not meet the EAR or if the median intake fell below the adequate intake.

Results: In the reference diet, actual micronutrient intake among Dutch older adults was generally adequate, except for riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, and calcium. Vitamin A and selenium were low in women only. In the simulated 40% flexitarian scenario, no additional nutrients were considered low. In the flexitarian 80%, pescetarian, and vegetarian scenarios, niacin in all and vitamin A and thiamin in men became low. In the vegan scenario, nearly all micronutrient intakes were low.

Conclusion: Reducing or eliminating animal-based protein sources in diets of older adults elevates the risk of micronutrient deficiencies.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared