Diet quality is associated with malnutrition and low calf circumference in Canadian long-term care residents

Abstract

Background: Older adults living in long-term care (LTC) are nutritionally vulnerable. The purpose of this study was to determine diet quality of Canadian LTC residents and its association with malnutrition and low calf circumference. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 32 LTC homes across four Canadian provinces. Nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs) were calculated for seventeen nutrients; mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was calculated to describe overall diet quality. Malnutrition risk was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and diagnosis of protein/energy malnutrition with the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Calf circumference (CC) was also assessed. Linear and logistic regressions for these outcomes with diet quality as the predictor were conducted adjusting for covariates. Results: Average MNA-SF score was 10.7 ± 2.5. Residents (43.5%) had mild/moderate to severe malnutrition based on the PG-SGA and 32.6% had a CC of < 31 cm. Mean MAR score was 0.79 ± 0.09 with significant differences between those requiring eating assistance (0.77 ± 0.11) and those that did not require assistance (0.80 ± 0.07) (p < .05). MAR score was significantly associated with malnutrition in fully adjusted models: MNA-SF scores [β = 5.34, 95% Confidence interval (CI) (2.81, 7.85)] and PG-SGA [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, 95% CI (0.38, 0.64)]. Those who had better diet quality were more likely to be well nourished or not at risk. Although several individual nutrients were associated with low CC (< 31 cm), there was no association between overall diet quality (MAR) and low CC. Conclusions: Diet quality is associated with malnutrition and individual nutrients (NARs) with a low CC. In addition to calories and protein, nutrient dense diets that promote adequate micronutrient intake are required in LTC.

Food insecurity as a risk factor of sarcopenic obesity in older adults

“…In the same study, older adults with better dietary quality and habits were more likely to have better nutritional status. In addition, a US longitudinal study showed that malnutrition was significantly associated with poorer diet quality and lower energy and protein intake ( 60 ).…”

Geriatrisches Basisassessment

“…Eine Malnutrition ist wiederum ein bedeutsamer Risikofaktor für eine erhöhte Morbidität und Mortalität, insbesondere während und nach Hospitalisierungsphasen [18]. Einfach durchzuführende Maßnahmen zur Beurteilung des Ernährungsstatus sind: ▪ Bestimmung des BMI ▪ Messungen; Messung des Wadenumfangs von < 31 cm oder Oberarmumfangs (bei Beinödemen) von < 21 cm sprechen für Mangelernährung [19].…”

Scoping review of food safety at transport stations in Africa

“…Also essential, and yet we did not find any study focusing on it, is the quality of food (nutritious aspects) of the meals sold at transport stations. Eating a well nourishing diet or balanced meals is critical to ensure good health [43][44][45] ; hence, we encourage future primary studies to include the nutritious aspects. Such studies may help streamline guidelines or inform policies to improve the quality of the food sold at transport exchange sites or taxi ranks.…”