ABSTRACT
The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is increasing globally and growing evidence has shown that dietary factors play an important role in preventing and improving prognosis of HF. However, little data on nutrient intake in Korean HF patients which are available to develop dietary guidelines for HF. The aims of this study were to estimate nutrient intake in 78 HF patients and evaluate whether the estimated nutrient intake is appropriate compared to dietary reference intake for Koreans. Data are presented as the ratio of actual intake and estimated average requirement (EAR) for each nutrient. The result showed that the average nutrient intakes including total energy and protein met EAR in total patients. However, the deficiencies in mineral and vitamin intakes were found. Moreover, the proportion of subjects with lower intake than EAR was substantial. The results showed that the proportion of male HF patients with inferior intakes to EAR in calcium, potassium (compared to adequate intake: AI), folate and vitamin B12 were 38%, 79%, 38%, and 65%, respectively. Also, the proportion of female HF patients with inferior intakes to EAR in calcium, potassium (compared to AI), folate and vitamin B12 were 35%, 88%, 38% and 40%, respectively. In particular, the elderly with HF (> or = 70 yrs, n = 28) showed more serious deficiencies in calcium, potassium (compared to AI), folate and vitamin B12. In summary, the intakes of potassium, calcium, folate, and vitamin B12 were not sufficient to meet EAR in HF patients. Furthermore, the proportions of subjects with lower intake than EAR in these nutrients were substantial, raising the possibility that these micronutrients may be involved in the pathogenesis of HF. Practical dietary guideline for HF patients is needed to improve prognosis of HF.