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The effect of dietary supplementation in continuing‐care elderly people: nutritional, anthropometric and biochemical parameters
Author(s) -
Hankey C. R.,
Summerbell J.,
Wynne H. A.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-277x.1993.tb00377.x
Subject(s) - medicine , anthropometry , nutritional supplementation , cohort , malnutrition , food intake , vitamin , cohort study , physiology , physical therapy , gerontology
The effectiveness of dietary supplementation for frail elderly subjects in continuing care was assessed by using nutritional measures of anthropometry and biochemistry and an 8‐week period of nutritional supplementation. Of 20 recruits six died and the remaining subjects were divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group were supplemented with a nutritionally complete drink. Build Up, 2 units daily, and up to 1500 k) daily from glucose polymer. Food intake was measured for 3 days at the start and end of the study using validated food‐intake records. Significant differences were seen in anthropometric measures triceps skin fold thickness and arm muscle circumference in the supplemented cohort ( P <0.05), but for no other anthropometric and biochemical measures. Glucose polymer intake varied greatly between individuals, range 539–1396 kJ, mean 931 kJ ± 113.7. Before supplementation dietary intake did not reach current recommendations for most nutrients, but after supplementation only vitamin D intake was inadequate. The study concludes a role exists for dietary supplementation in frail elderly, but further studies to outline benefits and optimum methods are required.