The interrelationship between functional dentition, nutrient intake and nutritional status among Thai older adults

Aim: To explore the interrelationship between functional dentition, food and nutrient intake, and nutritional status among older adults in Thailand. Methods: This was a 12-month longitudinal study of community dwellers, aged 60 years and over, in Phetchaburiprovince (central Thailand). Baseline data were collected through interviews, anthropometric measurements and dental examinations. Dietary intake was assessed with the 154-food-item Thai semi-structured Food Frequency Questionnaire (Thai Elderly-FFQ), from which nutrient intake was estimated via the INMUCAL-Nutrients V4.0 software. Anthropometric measurements included were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF). Dentists examined the number and condition of teeth (dental caries and severe mobility), functional tooth units and quality of dentures. The follow-up survey collected information on dietary intake and anthropometric measurements only. All associations were tested in linear regression models adjusted forconfounders.