Analyzing the Prevalence of Fat-Soluble Vitamins in the Diets of Georgian Elderly Care Facilities

Abstract

Vitamin overdose is often not researched in comparison to its counterpart risk, malnutrition. As the general topic of vitamin overdose is already under-researched, I specifically looked at fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) in elderly care facilities in Georgia to determine if any posed the unrecognized risk of vitamin over supplementation. The examination of these risks are paramount since many elderly residents are dependent on the facility to provide food as well as their supplements. Thus, this would mean that even a facility-provided diet high in vitamins may assume a vitamin risk since supplementation on top of this diet is unnecessary and may lead to over supplementation. Other commonly researched risks are also explored by analyzing prevalence. Through a sequential mixed methods approach, I analyzed qualitative interviews on medical and dietary staff from 8 respective care facilities to determine dietary vitamin intake and content analyses on their meal plans for supplemental intake. The results of my study found that there were no conclusive vitamin deficiency risks, most vitamins were in the adequate range, and Vitamin A and potentially Vitamin D were at the highest risk for over supplementation. These factors may be due to the common emphasis of vitamins in diet (as opposed to supplements) and the frequent shift in supplement responsibility to medical professionals. Thus, future research should look at the extent of this issue in Georgia and potential prevention measures.