Effect of linseed intake on the nutrition of the institutionalized elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil has 19 million elderly individuals. This population is susceptible to disease, and food can contribute to their well-being. The effect of omega 3 on health has been widely studied, although the composition of linseed still requires further investigation. Objective: To verify the influence of the daily intake of 15 grams of linseed and whether it would change the lipid, inflammatory and nutritional profiles of elderly residents of a long-term institution. Method: A total of 13 elderly women, who ingested linseed for 45 days, were analyzed. Data on food intake was collected through a three-day food record, anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests, before and after the intervention. The linseed used in the experiment was chemically analyzed. Results: The linseed had a positive effect on relieving constipation and increasing albumin; an increase in HDL cholesterol (p = 0.001) was also observed. Conclusion: Linseed was not effective in relation to improving the lipid profile, but it improved the nutritional and inflammatory profiles of elderly patients.