Dietary patterns of Polish seniors in retirees’ households

Background. About 7 million people in Poland receive pensions. The amount of benefits paid to pensioners is reflected in the income at their households and expenses, including food expenses. Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dietary patterns of Polish seniors in the retirees` households on the basis of an analysis of food consumption and energy and nutrient intake. Material and method. Food consumption evaluation was based on household budget survey conducted by Statistics Poland in 2019 throughout the whole country. Energy and nutrient intake were calculated using the conversion factors. Results. The consumption of unprocessed red meat in retirees’ households was 1.83 kg/person/month, meat products – 2.90 kg and kitchen salt – 0.24 kg. 6.52 kg of vegetables and 5.99 kg of fruit were consumed per person per month. The mean energy intake in members of these households was 2387 kcal/day. The proportion of energy from fat was high – 36.6%. 14.2% of energy was derived from protein and 49.6% from digestible carbohydrates. The share of animal fat (55.0 g) was higher than vegetable fat (43.7 g). It was associated with a high percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids – 13.4%. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was less than half of the saturated fatty acids. Calcium and vitamin D intake was low (658 mg and 3.8 μg respectively). Conclusions. Red meat, processed meat and salt consumption by seniors was too high in relation to the nutritional recommendations. Vegetables and fruit were consumed in amounts that are recommended. Seniors diet was improperly balanced, e.g. due to the high percentage of energy from fat, including saturated fatty acids. However, the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was low. Calcium and vitamin D intake was lower than Reference Intakes.