Table 3.
The results of analysis of covariance for variables based on Food Frequency Questionnaire
| Variables† | Elderly people under nursing care | Elderly people without nursing care | P* | DRI€ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 2165.5±645.2 | 1965.3±533.5 | 0.041* | 2000 |
| Vit C (mg/d) | 138.7±8.5 | 124.2±9.2 | 0.252 | 70 |
| Vit A (µg/d) | 718.7±37.4 | 748.5±40.6 | 0.592 | 600 |
| Beta-carotene (µg/d) | 1058.9±46.4 | 1278.4±50.4 | 0.002* | 3000 |
| Vit E (mg/d) | 24.5±1.2 | 19.6±1.3 | 0.007* | 12 |
| Zinc (mg/d) | 12.0±0.36 | 11.6±0.39 | 0.557 | 10 |
| Selenium (µg/d) | 62.2±3.2 | 50.7±3.4 | 0.017* | 45 |
DRI: Dietary reference intake. *P<0.05 considered as significant level. †Antioxidants compounds were adjusted for the number of chronic diseases and energy intake using analysis of covariance; the values are expressed as means±standard error, €DRIs: estimated average requirements in elderly; Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academies; 2000