Evaluation and analysis of the vitamin levels in the self-selected diets of senile diabetics

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating the daily vitamin intakes of senile diabetics whose diets were self-selected in order to apply the data obtained to prevent and treat senile Type 2 diabetics effectively. The daily vitamin intakes of 43 Type 2 diabetics (group A) and 43 healthy non-diabetics (group B) as revealed by their answer to a questionnaire were evaluated by computer analysis and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The data obtained in this study showed that the daily vitamin B1 and B2 intakes in both groups were obviously low, less the 50% of RDA; and that in group A was lower than that in group B. The daily intakes of vitamin E and A were significantly different between group A and group B (P < 0.01 for vitamin E and P < 0.05 for vitamin A). So the vitamin intakes of the senile diabetics with their self-selected diets were inadequate. The author suggests that it is necessary to give a scientific guide for the diets of senile diabetics. If the vitamin intake from foods is inadequate, vitamin supplements should be given to prevent complications.