Prevalence of thiamin and riboflavin deficiency among the elderly in Taiwan.

The purpose of this study was to perform biochemical assessments of the nutritional status of thiamin and riboflavin in the 2379 elderly persons (1213 males, 1166 females) participating in the Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1999-2000) (Elderly NAHSIT). Through analysis of the data we aimed to investigate possible factors related to the prevalence of vitamin deficiency. Activity coefficients of erythrocyte transketolase and glutathione reductase (ETKAC and EGRAC) were the chosen biochemical indicators for thiamin and riboflavin status.