Dietary diversity predicts type of medical expenditure in elders

We investigated the relationship between dietary quality and medical care utilization and expenditures among a general Asian population. Elderly individuals with better dietary quality, as determined by a higher DDS, required fewer emergency and hospitalization services but obtained more preventive and ambulatory care. The findings have important implications for nutrition-related health service policy. Such a policy should pay close attention to socially disadvantaged groups with poorer dietary quality.