How is the process of setting micronutrients recommendations reflected in nutrition policies in Poland? The case study of folate.

Introduction And Objective: Ensuring the adequate intake of micronutrients by populations is an important aspect of public health. This study aims to elucidate the process of setting nutrition recommendations and the development of subsequent policies associated with micronutrients in Poland by using the case study of folate.

Material And Methods: The study was based on 13 interviews conducted between October 2010 - February 2011, and desk research comprising a review of the associated scientific literature and relevant documents, such as scientific opinions and reports of the meetings of scientific committees.

Supplementation with [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate or folic acid equally reduces serum homocysteine concentrations in older adults.

Folic acid (FA) supplementation reduces the elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations. [6 S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate ([6 S]-5-MTHF) is an alternative to FA due to possible advantages, that is, no masking cobalamin deficiency. The study aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of [6 S]-5-MTHF in relations to FA supplementation in reducing the serum Hcy.

[Calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in drinking water and status biomarkers of these minerals among elder people from Warsaw region].

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc contents in drinking water on chosen parameters of nutritional status of these minerals in 164 elder people, 75-80 age, living in Warsaw region. Blood, hair and saliva were collected to assess the calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc nutritional status, while the samples of drinking water were collected to determine these minerals in water Mineral concentrations in blood, hair saliva and water were assessment using the atomic spectrophotometer absorption method It was showed that contribution of drinking water to calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc intake was: 15%, 4%, 5%, 9%, respectively. The relationship between the contents of these minerals in drinking water and their levels in the blood, hair and saliva had low correlation coefficients.

[Diet quality and mortality in elderly people living in Warsaw Region].

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between indicators of diet quality and all-cause mortality in a group of elderly people. The study was carried out among 411 participants aged 75-80 years (190 men and 221 women). During this study 78 men (42%) and 79 women (36.

Dietary calcium and magnesium intake and mortality: a prospective study of men.

The authors examined the association of dietary calcium and magnesium intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality among 23,366 Swedish men, aged 45-79 years, who did not use dietary supplements. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the multivariate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of mortality. From baseline 1998 through December 2007, 2,358 deaths from all causes were recorded in the Swedish population registry; through December 2006, 819 CVD and 738 cancer deaths were recorded in the Swedish cause-of-death registry.

[Influence of chosen lifestyle and diet factors on mortality among elderly people living in Warsaw and surrounding villages].

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between lifestyle factors, nutrients intake and all-cause mortality in a chosen group of elderly participants. The study was carried out among 411 participants aged 75-80 years (190 men and 221 women). During this study 78 men (42%) and 79 women (36.

[Survival and habitual nutrient intake among elderly men].

The aim of this paper was to determinate whether the intake of energy and nutrients was associated with all-cause mortality in the elderly men of the Warsaw region. Data on the intake of energy and nutrients were collected using a 3-day record method, in spring 1999. The mortality follow-up period lasted until December 31, 2003.

[Role of folates in the nutrition of the elderly].

Inadequate folate intake and in consequence deficient of plasma folate status may have a negative impact on human health. Among elderly the most important effects are related to hyperhomocysteinemia, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, procarcinogenic effects and cognitive dysfunctions. To prevent such situation and improve the quality of life of elderly people, in Poland as in many other countries, different strategies for increasing folate intake were applied, among them food fortification.

[Nutrition in Warsaw nursing homes in the opinion of their residents].

The aim of the study was to meet the opinions of NHs' residents about the meals quality and nutrition system, with special consideration of meal ambience in canteens (appearance, atmosphere, etc.). Besides, other information about residents was collected: their self-perceived health status, psychical condition, physical activity, appetite and nutritional habits.

[Anthropometric measurements as indicators of nutritional status of the elderly].

This review contains details on anthropometric measurements required for assessment of nutritional status in the elderly. These measurements provide indicators of fat tissue content or body composition and evaluate trends in nutritional status. Anthropometric measurements in the elderly are similar to these in other groups of population but they have to be adopted according to changes in constitution and posture of elderly and disabled people.

[Health status of people aged 75-80 living in Warsaw and its regions].

Chosen health related problems of elderly aged 75-80 years, living in Warsaw region, were analyzed. Almost 32% of respondents perceived their health as poor or very poor, and 84% declared suffering from chronic diseases (mainly cardiovascular, leg problems and hypertensive). Almost 70% of respondents used medicines, the most frequently used medicines were antihypertensives, nitroglicerine and diuretics.