Nutritional interventions for optimizing healthy body composition in older adults in the community: a protocol for an umbrella review of studies of effectiveness and qualitative perceptions and experiences

Abstract

Review question/Objective What is the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for optimizing healthy body composition in older adults living in the community, and what are these people’s qualitative perceptions and experiences? The objectives of this umbrella review are to measure and compare the overall effectiveness of nutritional interventions for optimizing healthy body composition in older adults living in the community and to better understand how they perceive and experience the nutritional interventions. Inclusion criteria Types of participants 1.This umbrella review will include systematic reviews involving:Older adults 60 years of age or older (sometimes referred to as “elderly”). More specifically, it is proposed that at least 50% of the people included in the review should be 60 years or older, OR that the mean age of people in the study should be at least 60 years. If one of these criteria is fulfilled but the other is not, the study will be included. 2 Living in the community. More specifically, it is proposed that at least 50% of the people included in the review should be: a) People living in their own homes or in retirement living. b) Those recently discharged from hospital and / or attending outpatient clinics. Those studies with a population meeting the above criteria exhibiting co-morbidities (e.g. included but not limited to diabetes, hypertension and asthma) will be included in the study. Where possible, results will be reported separately for different co-morbidities. Types of interventions/phenomena of interest This umbrella review will include systematic reviews that evaluate nutritional interventions, as previously defined. The seven types of nutritional interventions, which are included in this review are listed below. If other nutritional interventions are identified during the review, they will be assessed for inclusion using the above definition. Dietary programs High protein / low carbohydrate diet Mediterranean diet/lifestyle (including exercise, social engagement) Okinawa diet Caloric restriction Palaeolithic diet Nutritional supplements Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) including non-pharmacological dietary supplements (e.g. Sustagen) Powders, capsules Vitamins, minerals Meal replacements e.g. replacing a meal with a drink Food groups e.g. dairy, meat, fish, fruit Food delivery TRUNCATED AT 350 WORDS