Nutrient contribution of infant cereals used as fluid thickening agents indiets fed to the elderly

Objective To evaluate whether a nutrient-fortified fluid-thickening agent ( Pablum, H. J. Heinz Co of Canada, North York, Ontario, Canada) replaces nut rients lost to food displacement associated with its use. Design Seven-day, investigator-weighted, food intake records were evaluated to determine the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy. Nutrient intakes, incl uding and excluding those associated with Pablum, were assessed to determin e the ability of Pablum to protect from nutrient inadequacy. Subjects/setting Subjects (19 women and 2 men aged 69 to 109 years) were re sidents of a home for the aged or a chronic-care hospital who required pure ed food and thickened fluids. Statistical analyses performed Probability analysis was used to estimate th e prevalence of nutrient inadequacy for micronutrients and protein. Results Approximately 15% of consumed energy (mean standard deviation: 1,53 4 +/- 310 kcal/day; 1.38 +/-0.37 and 1.46 +/-0.26 multiplied by basal metab olic rate for men and women) came from the thickener. If a nonfortified thi ckener was used, risk of inadequacy (percentage of sample) would be apparen t for protein (16%), calcium (95%), thiamin (57%), riboflavin (28%), niacin (55%), and folate (47% for women and 97% for men); no risk was estimated f or iron and vitamins A and C. The nutrients contained in Pablum reduced or eliminated the risk of inadequacy for some nutrients, including protein (8% ), calcium (9%), thiamin (0%), riboflavin (0%), and niacin (0%). In contras t, inadequate consumption of water and folate occurred even when the contri bution of Pablum was considered. Applications The use of a nutrient-fortified thickening agent has merit; ho wever, the current formulation of Pablum does not allow for complete protec tion against nutrient inadequacy.