Abstract
The effects of chewing efficiency on nutrient intake and the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders were determined in edentulous elderly subjects. Three hundred sixty-seven noninstitutionalized individuals aged 60 years and over were interviewed. Denture masticatory performance and the collection of dietary information were assessed with the “Swallowing Threshold Test Index” and a food-frequency questionnaire. Approximately half (47%) of the participants exhibited a low masticatory performance classification. Thirty-nine percent used the same prosthesis for more than 10 years and 28% were taking some medication for gastrointestinal disorders. Lower intakes of fruits and vegetables for both sexes and of vitamin A by women were observed in subjects with poor masticatory performance. Furthermore, subjects with poor masticatory performance took significantly more drugs (37%) than those with superior performance (20%). A reduced consumption of high-fiber foods could therefore induce the development of gastrointestinal disorders in edentulous elderly subjects with a deficient masticatory performance.
Published Version
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