Effects of high-protein, high-calorie oral nutritional supplementation in malnourished older people in nursing homes: An observational, multi-center, prospective study (PROT-e-GER). Protocol and baseline population characteristics

Nutritional Status of the Elderly Residing in a 24-Hour Medical Care Facility After Nutritional Intervention

Malnutrition is a significant issue among elderly individuals in 24-hour care facilities, leading to increased morbidity. The aim of the study was to compare the nutritional status before and after nutritional intervention based on selected indicators of nutritional status among residents of a 24-hour care institution. The study included a group of 104 people aged 65 to 97 years. Nutritional status was assessed before and after the nutritional intervention based on indicators: levels of prealbumin, albumin, transferrin, total lymphocyte count, BMI, and MNA scale. The nutritional intervention consisted of administering oral nutritional supplements (ONS) to patients, regardless of nutritional status. The method of retrospective analysis of patients' medical records was used. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24 for Windows. Improvements in nutritional status occurred among patients with malnutrition based on MNA and prealbumin indices, and in groups of patients with moderate or mild malnutrition as determined by transferrin, prealbumin and albumin. The mean levels of nutritional indices significantly increased: MNA (p = .001), BMI (p = .001), prealbumin (p = .001), and albumin (p < .001). The use of ONS resulted in better nutritional status parameters based on MNA, albumin and prealbumin. These indices may be predictors of reducing the risk of various disorders among the elderly.

Reasons for and against Nutritional Interventions. An Exploration in the Nursing Home Setting

Malnutrition (MN) is widespread in nursing homes. Sometimes, but not always, nutritional interventions (NIs) are made, and the reasons for or against NIs are unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe these reasons for residents with and without MN according to nurses’ subjective judgement and according to objective signs of MN. The nutritional status of 246 nursing home residents was subjectively judged by nurses (MN, at risk of MN, no MN) and objectively assessed by body mass index (BMI), weight loss (WL), and low food intake. NIs (enriched meals and/or oral nutritional supplements) were recorded using a standardized questionnaire, and nurses’ main reasons for (not) giving NIs were obtained in an open question. Of the residents, 11.0% were subjectively malnourished, and 25.6% were at risk of MN; 32.9% were malnourished according to objective criteria. Overall, 29.7% of the residents received NIs, 70.4% of those with MN as assessed by the nurses, 53.0% of those with objective MN, and 11.0% and 18.0% of non-malnourished residents, respectively. Reasons for NIs most often stated were low intake (47.9%), WL (23.3%), and low BMI (13.7%). Reasons against NIs mostly mentioned were adequate BMI (32.9%) and sufficient intake (24.3%). The lack of NIs for residents with MN was partially—but not always—explained by valid reasons. As residents without MN frequently received NIs, criteria for both MN rating and providing NIs, require closer scrutiny.

Modeling Trade Openness and Life Expectancy in China

Objective

This study investigates life expectancy and trade openness in China for the period 1960–2018.

Methods

We purposed a theoretical model that is tested for China by applying regime-switching regression.

Results

Our findings suggest that trade openness increases life expectancy in China; trade affects life expectancy from two aspects; firstly, trade expansion and industrialization lead to high economic activities and resulted in raise the income of the people in society leading to improve life expectancy. Secondly, industrial expansion increases the CO₂ emissions which leads to imposes a negative implication on human health and thus reduces life expectancy.

Conclusion

Thus, the net effect of trade liberalization depends on the value of income effect and volume of CO₂ emissions. Therefore, the government needs to support the trade policies which causes a low level of CO₂ emissions, the government may provide incentives to exports and industrialists to adopted green energy in the production process. Besides, the government may impose some regulations such as carbon tax to mitigate the CO₂ emissions in society.

Results of High-Protein, High-Calorie Oral Nutritional Supplementation in Malnourished Older People in Nursing Homes: An Observational, Multicenter, Prospective, Pragmatic Study (PROT-e-GER)

OBJECTIVES

To assess if the impact of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) on nutritional and functional status in malnourished older persons living in nursing homes shown by clinical trials are also found outside a trial setting.

DESIGN

Observational, multicenter, prospective, pragmatic study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This study was carried out in 38 nursing homes throughout Spain. Nursing home physicians recruited consecutive residents, older than 65 years, with a diagnosis of malnutrition, when a clinical decision to start ONS had been taken after unsuccessful initial management with dietary interventions.

INTERVENTION

The participants received daily 2 bottles of an energy-rich, high-protein commercial ONS for 3 months.

MEASURES

Primary outcomes were changes in nutritional status [body weight, body mass index (BMI), and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF)]; secondary outcomes were functional changes [Functional Ambulation Classification, Barthel index, handgrip strength, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)], as well as safety and adherence after 12 weeks of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 282 residents (median age 86 years, 67% women) were included, and 244 (86.5%) completed the follow-up. At baseline, 77.3% of the participants were malnourished (BMI 19.7 kg/m², interquartile range 18.3-21.8). After 12 weeks of follow-up, participants experienced significant increases in body weight (2.6 ± 3.1 kg, 5.2 ± 5.9%), BMI (1.0 ± 1.2 kg/m²) and MNA-SF (4.0 ± 2.5 points). There were also significant improvements in functional status measured by the Barthel index, handgrip strength, SPPB, and gait speed. Good adherence was registered in 94.6% of the participants. No relevant side effects were found.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Improvements in nutritional and functional status can be found when using a high-protein, high-calorie ONS in older undernourished people living in nursing homes.

Effects of protein supplementation on muscle wasting disorders: A brief update of the evidence

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of protein supplementation on muscle mass, strength and function in individuals at risk of muscle wasting disorders.

METHODS

A narrative overview of the literature based on a PubMed search.

RESULTS

Increasing protein intake beyond the recommended dietary intake may prevent or attenuate muscle loss in people at risk of muscle wasting disorders; however, there is inconsistent evidence for any benefits on muscle strength or physical function. This is likely due to the significant heterogeneity and bias regarding baseline demographics, basal protein/energy intakes and protein supplement type, dose, timing and compliance.

CONCLUSION

Protein supplementation attenuates muscle loss in some populations at increased risk of muscle wasting, but there is no consistent evidence to support benefits on muscle strength or physical function. Further randomised controlled trials are needed that focus on whether there is an optimal type, dose and timing of protein intake, and potential interaction with other nutrients.