Can fortified, nutrient-dense and enriched foods and drink-based nutrition interventions increase energy and protein intake in residential aged care residents? A systematic review with meta-analyses

Recommending ultra‐processed oral nutrition supplements for unintentional weight loss: Are there risks?

“…Overall, the data suggest that higher compliance can be achieved with small‐volume, energy‐dense ONS 45,46 . Alternatively, food‐based approaches focusing on energy and nutrient density showed improved intake and weight, as well as favorable compliance and acceptability for older adults residing in long‐term care, in the few studies including these assessments 37 . For community‐dwelling older adults, measures of participation vs compliance are undertaken to assess the effectiveness of food‐based programs 47 .…”

“…Alternatively, food‐based interventions for older adults supported improved energy and protein intakes but substantiation by body weight data were lacking 33 . In long‐term care, “fortified, nutrient‐dense and enriched foods and drink‐based nutrition interventions,” compared with standard menus (with and without ONS), significantly increased energy and protein intake, suggesting a benefit for weight status, but no meta‐analysis was undertaken on this secondary outcome 37 . Studies directly comparing energy‐ and nutrient‐based food interventions with ONS to determine superiority for the management of unintentional weight loss and other outcomes of interest, such as inflammatory markers and quality of life, in patient populations and older adults are lacking.…”

“… 45 , 46 Alternatively, food‐based approaches focusing on energy and nutrient density showed improved intake and weight, as well as favorable compliance and acceptability for older adults residing in long‐term care, in the few studies including these assessments. 37 For community‐dwelling older adults, measures of participation vs compliance are undertaken to assess the effectiveness of food‐based programs. 47 Although there is widespread participation in meal programs, such as the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program in the United States, which aims to provide nutritious food to older adults of low socioeconomic status, 48 research is lacking regarding the efficacy of energy‐ and nutrient‐dense, food‐based interventions on the prevention of unintentional weight loss in community‐dwelling older adults.…”

Chinese expert consensus on prevention and intervention for the elderly with malnutrition (2022)

“…Studies have shown that food fortification can increase the energy and protein density of food and improve the nutritional status of patients, making it an effective nutritional support intervention. 49,50 In addition, for the elderly with malnutrition or nutritional risk accompanied by chewing disorders or dysphagia, food texture modification should be offered as a compensatory approach to support adequate dietary intake, such as breaking up solid foods into a paste or puree, adjusting soups and beverages into paste by using thickening agents, or adjusting the cooking method. For example, eggs can be boiled, poached, scrambled, steamed, or converted to other forms according to the patients' needs.…”

“…Natural foods include egg, cream, butter, milk, yogurt, juice, and puree, while nutrient preparations include lactalbumin powder and enteral nutrition (EN) preparation. Studies have shown that food fortification can increase the energy and protein density of food and improve the nutritional status of patients, making it an effective nutritional support intervention 49,50 . In addition, for the elderly with malnutrition or nutritional risk accompanied by chewing disorders or dysphagia, food texture modification should be offered as a compensatory approach to support adequate dietary intake, such as breaking up solid foods into a paste or puree, adjusting soups and beverages into paste by using thickening agents, or adjusting the cooking method.…”