Nutritional Intervention in Malnourished Elderly Patients

Effectiveness of Nutritional Intervention in Malnourished Elderly Patients

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether nutritional supplementation will improve functional outcome parameters and nutritional status in elderly patients.

Malnutrition is still a problem in elderly patients and this may be associated with reduced muscle strength and ADL function (activities of daily living). Malnourished Medical Inpatients/Outpatients and District Nurse patients with a Body Mass Index < 20 kg/m2 are asked to participate.

Comparison(s): The patients are randomized to either ordinary dietary advice with a recommendation of four meals per day or similar dietary advice and two daily sip feeding supplements. The study supplementation is Fresubin Protein Energy Drink and this will give additional 600 kcal and 40 gram protein a day. The study period is 12 weeks with a visit at inclusion, week 6 and week 12.

Primary and secondary outcome parameters are measured at inclusion and week 12

Inclusion Criteria:

• Body Mass Index < 20 kg/m2
• Medical In/Outpatient or District Nurse-patient
• Able to take nutritional supplement (sip feeding)
• Able to walk
• Written patient informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Actual malignancy
• Dementia with a Mini Mental Status score < 24
• Severe depression
• Need for Total Parenteral Nutrition or Tube Feeding
• Prescribed nutritional supplements during more than the last week
• Life expectancy of less than 6 months