Q: Is it true that elderly people don't have to worry about cholesterol levels ?

A: While it is true that high blood cholesterol levels in the elderly are less predictive of heart disease than in younger people, this does not mean that the elderly should ignore their cholesterol levels. Each situation should be evaluated on an individual basis before making a decision to treat or not to treat with diet and/or medication. Following the dietary guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program by limiting total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol can be beneficial for most people. A low-fat diet can also be helpful in maintaining a healthy weight and may help to prevent some forms of cancer. If an elderly person is otherwise healthy and leading a productive life, that person should benefit from following a prudent diet. However, if an individual is in poor health with a number of significant medical problems, restricting dietary cholesterol and fat may not be beneficial enough to warrant the effort required. Another concern is for the elderly who may have trouble maintaining adequate weight if a low-fat diet is too vigorously pursued. Financial constraints, as well as decreased appetite in the frail elderly, make it important that foods actually eaten be nutrient dense. Foods such as eggs and milk may be comfort foods for many elderly, and are economical and nutritious when appetites are poor and other sources of protein are poorly tolerated.

Q: I've been wondering if there's any nutritional virtue in iceberg lettuce, which is just about the only kind I can buy during the winter. Or would I be doing myself a nutritional favor to eat other kinds of vegetables in the cold months, and save the salads for summertime?

A: From a nutritional standpoint, iceberg lettuce is not a nutritent-dense food. Its mild flavor and crisp texture make it a versatile favorite among the salad greens; however, the main attraction for iceberg lettuce is that it provides some bulk for those trying to limit their caloric intake. You can eat a lot of it without adding a significant amount of calories. A 3 _ ounce serving contains 13 calories, a small amount of vitamin A (300 I.U.), 0.5 grams fiber, 175 mg potassium, 0.5 mg iron, and 6 mg vitamin C. Other dark green leafy vegetables will provide more vitamin A and iron than iceberg lettuce. Deep yellow and orange vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamin A. Cabbage is a good vegetable to use as a salad or cooked, and it can provide some vitamin C if not overcooked. Citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C and they are in season during the winter months. Dried fruits and good sources of potassium and also are good winter choices.

Q: A friend says raisins are junk food. I thought they are good for you because they contain iron. Who's right?

A: Raisins are a nutritious, low-fat snack, and they are a good source of iron. Since they are a dried fruit, they provide a concentrated source of calories. A 1/3 cup serving provides 150 calories, 1 mg of iron, 375 mg potassium, and smaller amounts of other nutrients such as zinc and calcium.