EVALUATION OF THE DIETARY-INTAKE OF HOMEBOUND ELDERLY AND THE FEASIBILITY OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION

Objective: The dietary intake of elderly subjects receiving home care services (n = 145) was studied to assess the adequacy of their intake, and their ability to maintain normal body weight. In a second part of the study, the feasibility of providing nutrient supplements to under weight subjects or those with important recent weight loss was evaluat ed. Method: For the survey, three 24-hour recalls, height, weight and lifestyle habits were evaluated in a home interview and two follow-up telephone contacts. The effects of dietary supplementation of 14 subje cts at risk of malnutrition (underweight or with substantial weight lo ss) over 12 weeks were evaluated. Results: Mean energy intake for the entire group was low (males 1546 kcal; females 1152 kcal) and on avera ge barely covered estimated resting energy expenditure. Recent weight loss was negatively correlated with energy intake among underweight su bjects (R = -0.64; p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation resulted in an average increase in daily intake of 390 kcal with an average weight ga in of 1.27 kg over the 12-week period. Weight change was directly asso ciated with measures of functional status; hand-grip strength (r = 0.7 5; p = 0.002) and general well-being score (r = 0.46; p = 0.095). Conc lusion: Homebound elderly were at high risk of inadequate protein and energy intake. Dietary supplementation in high risk individuals was we ll tolerated and led to modest weight gain and improvements in general well-being.