Korean J Community Nutr.  1997 Aug;2(3):366-375.

The Effectiveness and Preferences of Nutritional Supplementary Drinks for the Elderly

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Food and Nutrition, Seowon University, Chongju, Korea.
  • 2Department of Home Economics Education, Seowon University, Chongju, Korea.

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and preferences of supplementary drinks for very old subjects who are likely to be malnourished. Twenty-five elderly subjects were divided into two groups. The supplemented group(N=15) received 500mls of nutrient supplement(New Care) two times daily for 4 weeks. This resulted in a significant increase in the total calories, protein, minerals and vitamins. Nutritional status was assessed both anthropometrically and biochemically, before and after the study period. A significant improvement in mid arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness and serum albumin were observed in the supplemented group but not in the control group. There is a possibility that most of the elderly were in an anemic state at the beginning of the study since their mean hematologic parameters were within the lower normal range while their mean serum osmolarities was slightly higher than normal,. Although mean serum hemoglobin and hematocrit were not increased significantly, th percentage of the recovery rate from anemia in the supplemented group was higher than in the control group. Total lymphocyte count also showed similar tendency. Sensory evaluation of nutritional supplementary drinks were relatively good and the elderly showed great interest in nutrient supplements. This study suggests that a nutritional status of poorly nourished elderly subjects can be improved by providing them with nutritional supplementations.

Keyword

nutritional supplementary drink; elderly; nutritional status; preferences of drink

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Anemia
Arm
Hematocrit
Humans
Lymphocyte Count
Minerals
Nutritional Status
Osmolar Concentration
Reference Values
Serum Albumin
Skinfold Thickness
Vitamins
Minerals
Serum Albumin
Vitamins
Full Text Links
  • KJCN
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr