RESUMO
Introduction: older adults constitute a group at risk for vitamin D deficiency. It is relevant to include the analysis of sociocultural and economic factors in nutritional studies. Objective: to analyze the socio-cultural and economic factors that influence the consumption of foods rich in vitamin D as well as sun exposure in the elderly. Material and methods: there was an observational, descriptive, relational and transversal study from October to December 2012 (spring time). We studied 258 women and 68 men, between 60 and 95 years old, using a semi-structured questionnaire which gathered demographic, socio-cultural and economic data, pathologies, vitamin supplements, consumption of vitamin D rich foods and sun exposure habits. The X2 test was applied to verify the correlations. Results: the population mostly lived with spouse/partner, had medium educational level, chose to shop in supermarkets daily, 25% received food subsidies; 63% usually took 4 meals or more/day. Most consumed vitamin D rich foods: milk and yogurt (daily) and yolk (3 times/week). 45% carried out outdoors activities in hours of highest solar radiation, 60% avoided exposure when they went out, 32% used sunscreen, 91% wore short sleeves wear and Bermuda pants or short skirts. 7% consumed supplements with vitamin D (92% women). There was no relationship between the socio-cultural and economic factors with the consumption of vitamin D and sun exposure behavior. Conclusions: there was a low consumption of vitamin D and low sun exposure in the sample. Both facts show the existence of substantial risk of vitamin D deficiency.