The menu centesimal analysis of long-term care institution: Pinhais (PR)

OBJECTIVE: To compare nutrients in the menu offered for the elderly people of a long-term care institution with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). METHODS: A cross-sectional and quantitative identification of the menus during 31 days in October 2011. The amount of food per capita was analyzed in all the meals. We analyzed the menus of the general diet, alone, with a meal supplement, and with fiber supplementation. For the nutrients analysis, data sheets and the centesimal analysis were prepared for all the food made. RESULTS: The caloric distribution of macronutrients in the general diet, and the general diet with fiber supplementation were in the recommended range. Micronutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese and iron, were satisfactory, above references. Vitamin D, potassium, pantothenic acid and fiber, when analyzed only in the general diet, were below the recommendations. However, with the addition of a meal supplementation and a fiber supplementation the recommendations were reached. Calcium in the general diet showed a lower value than what is recommended. In the diets with a fiber or a meal supplementation its raise was significant. Sodium presented values above the references in all types of meals. CONCLUSION: The general diet menu alone was not sufficient to reach all the nutritional recommendations. However, when there is a meal or a fiber supplementation, what is offered fits the recommendations. A greater supply of calcium-rich food and a reduction in food with high sodium are also recommended.