Abstract
To examine whether the nutritional status of aged undernourished residents in care could be improved through dietary modification to increase energy intake but not portion size. A 12-week cluster randomised controlled trial was carried out in 21 residential care homes. Participants comprised undernourished residents with a body mass index (BMI) <18.5kgm(-2) . All menus were analysed to evaluate nutrient provision. Energy and macronutrient intakes of undernourished residents were estimated using 3-day weighed food intake diaries. Those resident in homes randomised to intervention had their usual meals enriched with energy-dense foods to a maximum of +1673 kJ day(-1) . Of 445 residents screened, 41 (9%) had a BMI <18.5kgm(-2) and entered the study. Despite adequate food provision, energy and macronutrient intakes were below UK dietary reference values. Mean (SEM) energy intake increased [+556 (372) kJ, P=0.154] in residents allocated to intervention but fell in those residents in 'control homes' receiving usual care [-151 (351) kJ, P=0.676]. Weight change [+1.3 (0.53)kg, P=0.03] was seen in intervention residents but not in controls [-0.2 (1.5)kg, P=0.536]. Between-group differences for changes in weight and energy intake were not significant (P=0.08 and 0.20, respectively). Six residents allocated to the intervention increased their BMI >18.5kgm(-2) (P=0.018). Achieving weight gain in frail older people is difficult. These results suggest that enriching food could help address undernutrition and slow chronic weight loss. Interventions of a longer duration are needed to confirm or exclude the value of food enrichment.
Published Version
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