Relationship between nutritional treatment compliance and nutritional status improvements in patients with gastrointestinal impairment taking an oral peptide–based supplement

Abstract

ObjectivesCompliance in outpatients with gastrointestinal (GI) malabsorption is key in nutritional treatment. The objective of this study was to assess compliance in patients with GI impairment and malnutrition taking a high-calorie, high-protein, peptide-based oral nutritional supplement (ONS-PBD). MethodsA prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in 19 medical sites in Spain where ONS-PBD were prescribed as standard of care. Patients consumed ONS-PBD daily for 12 wk. Compliance was calculated as the percentage consumed of the prescribed amount of ONS per day. ResultsA total of 90 adult patients were included in the study, of whom 64 completed the 12-wk regimine. Mean compliance was 78.8% ± 24.5%. Risk of malnutrition decreased in 56.3% of patients at 12 wk, as measured with the malnutrition universal screening tool. A reduction in abdominal pain was observed and stool consistency improved, with a mean of 54.7% and 27.5%, respectively. Improvements in quality of life and a decrease in percentage of patients with severe functional impairment were observed. ConclusionsThese data show that ONS-PBD compliance in malnourished patients with GI symptoms is high, reducing GI symptoms and improving patients’ nutritional status.