Food intake and Body Mass Index (BMI) of privately institutionalized elderly in Tehran was studied using a 5-day food intake survey and anthropometric measurements. Thirty-seven males and sixty-three females in private institutions were selected. The intake of many nutrients including protein, calcium, zinc, vitamins A. riboflavin, folic acid and cobalamin, were deficient. Almost half the subjects were under the 5th percentile of standard BMI for their age and sex, indicating chronic energy malnutrition. More attention needs to be paid to this group of vulnerable people.