Effect of liquid dietary supplements on energy intake in the elderly

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition is a risk factor for increased mortality in older adults. Therapeutic intervention includes the administration of liquid dietary supplements.

Objective: We investigated the effect of liquid dietary supplements on satiation, satiety, and energy intake in older adults.

Design: This study had 2 phases in a within-subject, repeated-measures design. The energy intake of 15 elderly (aged >70 y) and 15 younger (aged 20-40 y) healthy subjects was measured after 4 liquid preloads: water, high fat, high carbohydrate, and high protein. The preloads were administered within 5 min of a test meal in phase 1 and >or=60 min before the test meal in phase 2. Palatability, fullness, and hunger were assessed by using visual analogue scales.

Results: Mean energy consumption of the test meals was significantly lower in the older than in the younger subjects (P = 0.001), as was mean macronutrient consumption of fat and carbohydrate (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Mean energy intake and macronutrient consumption were higher in phase 2 than in phase 1 in both older and younger subjects (P < 0.05). Satiety lasted longer in older than in younger subjects after the high-protein and high-fat preloads (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: In the elderly, administration of dietary supplements between meals instead of with meals may be more effective in increasing energy consumption.