Protein-Enriched Food Multi-Mix Impact on Nutritional Status of Community-Residing Older Adults

Protein Enriched Food Multi-Mix' Nutritional Status in Community-Residing Older Adults

Malnutrition is a major health concern among older adults in Pakistan due to cultural, economic, and health barriers that limit proper nutrition. This study aims to develop a culturally appropriate, protein-enriched food multi-mix (FMM) using locally available cereals, legumes, and soybean meal to improve the nutritional status of older adults. The study includes both a cross-sectional survey to assess malnutrition prevalence and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the FMM intervention.

Malnutrition, particularly under nutrition poses a significant threat to the health and quality of life of older adults in Pakistan. Age-related changes in body composition, including a decrease in total body protein, lead to complications such as poor wound healing, reduced skin elasticity, and lower resistance to infection. Many older adults in Pakistan are unable to meet their daily protein requirements due to socioeconomic and dietary constraints. This project aims to develop a protein-enriched food multi-mix (FMM) tailored to the cultural preferences and nutritional needs of older adults in Pakistan. The concept of FMM is a novel and scientific approach to food diversification, combining traditional food knowledge with modern food technology. A randomized control trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of the proposed protein-enriched recipe. The duration of the intervention study was 3 months, and one serving of the product was given to the study participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

People aged 60 years and above

• Community-residing older adults
• Older adults without severe chronic diseases (e.g., end-stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, uncontrolled diabetes, and cancer)
• Older adults following a normal diet with no dietary restriction
• Able to eat themselves
• Willing to participate in the study
• Willing to follow the study protocol, including dietary intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Critically ill patients admitted to the hospital
• Older adults having medical conditions that require a restriction of protein-enriched foods
• Persons with a mental illness and disability
• People who are allergic to protein
• Older adults having malabsorption syndrome and swallowing problems