[Utility of dehydrated products in texture modified diets in elderly ambulatory patients]

Abstract

Background and objective: The main objective of our work was to evaluate the influence in elderly ambulatory patients with dysphagia of a texture modified diet with dehydrated nutritional products on nutritional parameters and quality of life.

Patients and method: We enrolled 22 patients from the Nutrition Departament who had dysphagia and an age over 70 years. Patients received a texture modified diet supplemented with dehydrated nutritional products (Resource Mix Instant).

Results: A total of 22 patients were recruited with a gender distribution of 67% (n = 15) females, 33% (n = 7) males, and an average age of 79.6 +/- 8.39 years. After treatment, we observed an improvement in fat free mass (39.8 +/- 3.14 kg vs 41.9 +/- 1.4 kg; p < 0.05), total proteins (6.1 [1.1] g/dl vs 6,8 [0.7] g/dl: p < 0.05), transferrin (145 [46] mg/dl vs. 198.5 [64] mg/dl; p < 0.05), albumin (2.7 [0.8] g/dl vs 3.3 [0.8] g/dl; p < 0.05) and lymphocytes (10(3U)/ml) (1367 [742] vs 1707 [898]: p < 0.05). Caloric, protein, fat and carbohydrates intakes increased in a significant way. In addition, the quality of life improved significantly (SF 36 score 95.7[13] vs 99.3[10]; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Incorporation of dehydrated nutritional products improved the dietary intake, nutritional status and quality of life in ambulatory elderly patients with dysphagia.