How dentition status and masticatory function affect nutrient intake.

The authors examined nutrient intake in relation to the number of teeth, denture type and masticatory function among 638 men in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study. They found that calorie-adjusted nutrient intakes decreased with progressively impaired dentition status, independently of age, smoking status and alcohol use. Intakes of fiber and most vitamins and minerals were inversely correlated with masticatory function. The findings suggest that prevention of tooth loss and prosthodontic replacement of missing teeth could improve diets of older adults.