Antioxidant vitamins in hospitalized elderly patients: analysed dietary intakes and biochemical status.

Abstract

The present study highlights low antioxidant vitamin intakes, particularly concerning vitamin E and vitamin C, and an important proportion of low blood vitamin C and beta-carotene concentrations in hospitalized elderly women. Further studies are needed to determine the actual requirements of hospitalized elderly patients and to evaluate the potential benefits of providing micronutrient-enriched foods to this population.