Nutrition of the elderly at home. III. Intakes of minerals.

Intakes of calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium are reported for 77 men and 187 women aged 65 and over and living at home in N. Glasgow. Calcium intakes were below the national average. The importance of milk as a source of calcium and the relevance of calcium intake to bone disease in old age are discussed. Iron intakes were probably adequate, but those of potassium and magnesium may well be below optimum levels.