Subjectively healthy elderly consuming a liquid nutrition supplement maintained body mass index and improved same nutritional parameters and perceived well-being

Objective To evaluate regular use of a liquid nutrition supplement by subje ctively healthy elderly persons in terms of body mass index, nutrient intak e, selected biochemical parameters, and perceived quality-of-life changes, and to identify advantages and limitations of use. Design A 16-week intervention study in which subjects were assigned randoml y to either a supplemented group or a control group and compared in terms o f intergroup and intragroup differences in weight, food intake, blood value s, and quality-of-life indexes. Adherence to protocol was monitored by mont hly visits with an interviewer and food intake records. Subjects/setting Seventy-one independent living, older Canadian adults (mea n age=70+/-7 years) consuming on average less than 4 servings of fruit and vegetables daily and a supplement-free diet before the study. Subjects were without functional limitations and did not require therapeutic diets or me dical treatments that affect nutritional status. Data were collected in hom e interviews. Blood for analysis was obtained from a subsample of 36 subjec ts. Intervention Inclusion of six 235-mL cans of liquid nutrition supplement we ekly into the self-selected dietary patterns of the supplemented group. Statistical analysis Results were analyzed by Student t tests or Wilcoxon r ank sum test, analysis of variance, and multiple stepwise regression. Results Body mass index, energy intake, and consumption of fruit and vegeta bles did not change throughout the study. In the supplemented group, statis tically significant increases occurred from baseline to termination of the study in these nutrients: protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, and folate. Se rum albumin, folate, ferritin, hemoglobin, and zinc values were within the normal range for the supplemented and control groups. Scores for the Medica l Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Status scales increased for the supplemented group from baseline to termination for vitality and general he alth perception. Values for the General Well-Being Questionnaire improved f or anxiety and general wellbeing. Of the dietary predictors, folate intake explained the most variance for vitality and for general well-being, 8.6% a nd 14.2%, respectively. Applications A liquid nutrition supplement could be recommended to the elde rly when energy maintenance and increases in nutrient intake are necessary and convenience is an important consideration. Dietetics professionals shou ld address the issues of affordability of the supplement, the role of food in achieving nutritional adequacy, and overall quality of life of clients. Folate intake as a predictor of perceived general well-being and vitality r equires further investigation.