Abstract :
to characterize dietary patterns among a diverse sample of older adults (≥ 65 years).
Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: five counties in west central alabama. Participants: Community-dwelling
Medicare beneficiaries (n=416; 76.8 ± 5.2 years, 56% female, 39% african american) in the University of
alabama at Birmingham (UaB) study of aging. Measurements: Dietary data collected via three, unannounced
24-hour dietary recalls was used to identify dietary patterns. foods were aggregated into 13 groups. finite
mixture modeling (fMM) was used to classify individuals into three dietary patterns. Differences across dietary
patterns for nutrient intakes, sociodemographic, and anthropometric measurements were examined using chisquare
and general linear models. Results: three dietary patterns were derived. a “More healthful” dietary
pattern, with relatively higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, eggs, nuts, legumes and dairy, was
associated with lower energy density, higher quality diets as determined by Healthy eating index (Hei)-2005
scores and higher intakes of fiber, folate, vitamins C and B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. the “westernlike”
pattern was defined by an intake of starchy vegetables, refined grains, meats, fried poultry and fish, oils and
fats and was associated with lower Hei-2005 scores. the “low produce, high sweets” pattern was characterized
by high saturated fat, and low dietary fiber and vitamin C intakes. the strongest predictors of better diet quality
were female gender and non-Hispanic white race. Conclusion: the dietary patterns identified may provide a
useful basis on which to base dietary interventions targeted at older adults. examination of nutrient intakes
regardless of the dietary pattern suggests that older adults are not meeting nutrient recommendations and should
continue to be encouraged to choose high quality diets.
