[Dependence to feed itself and food consumption in hospitalized elderly].

The objective of the study was to verify the association of food intake and the dependence to be fed in hospitalized elderly individuals who were interviewed in the first 24 hours after admission to a general hospital. Participated in the research 75 individuals average 70.9 years old, being 58.7% male and 17.3% showing dependence to be fed. There was no evident association between dependence to be fed and the intake of energetic and muscle building food, but there was an association with regulator food such as garlic and onion (p=0.00) and water (p=0.04). The need of nutritional orientation to the caretakers is suggested, taking into consideration that the feeding dependence is associated to a low intake of water among elderly individuals.