journal articles
PORTION SIZES OF FOOD ITEMS AMONG ELDER SUBJECTS IN THE GENERAL POPULATION. A METHODOLOGICAL DIETARY STUDY FROM MALMÖ, SWEDEN
J. Ekblad, S. Elmståhl
J Aging Res Clin Practice 2013;2(2):158-167
Objectives: To describe portion size for different food items included in food frequency questionnaire in the Good Aging in Skåne study (GÅS), in an elderly population in Malmö, Sweden in relation to an increased age. Design: Self-reported intake of portion size among older volunteers. Setting: General population from the city of Malmö, Sweden. Participants: 106 men and women in three age groups (60-69, 70-79 and 80-91 years) from the general population participated in the study. Measurements: The participants were interviewed regarding their consumption of regular food items in meals and snack meals and beverages. They estimated their portion sizes of 71 different food items. Results: Portion sizes for the eight food items; red and white wine, soft drinks, crisp bread, chocolate, salted nuts, stewed fruit and low fat hard cheese differed between the three male age groups with the oldest men reporting the lowest intake. Among women, only three food items differed namely; oil-based dressing, soup and medium strong beer. Generally the oldest women reported the lowest intake. Conclusion: There were few differences in portion sizes regarding an increased age, from 60 to 90 years of age, for both genders. There is in reality no need to considerate portion size for more than a few food items when using dietary assessment methods such as FFQ in nutritional epidemiology, and reduction factors are presented for these food items.