title: Dairy food supplementation may reduce malnutrition risk in institutionalised elderly.
abstract: Malnutrition in institutionalised elderly increases morbidity and care costs. Meat and dairy foods are high-quality protein sources so adequate intakes may reduce malnutrition risk. We aimed to determine whether inadequate intakes of meat and dairy foods contribute to malnutrition in institutionalised elderly. This cross-sectional study involved 215 elderly residents (70·2 % females, mean age 85·8 years) from twenty-one aged-care facilities in Melbourne, Australia. Dietary intake was assessed using observed plate waste. Food groups and serving sizes were based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Nutrient content was analysed using a computerised nutrient analysis software (Xyris). Malnutrition risk was assessed using the Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA) tool; a score between 24 and 30 indicates normal nutritional status. Data were analysed using robust regression. Mean MNA score was 21·6 (sd 2·7). In total, 68 % of residents were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (MNA score≤23·5). Protein intake was 87 (sd 28) % of the Australian recommended dietary intake (RDI). Consumption averaged 1 serving each of dairy foods and meat daily. Number of dairy and meat servings related to proportion of protein RDI (both P24 points). Provision of meat and dairy foods did not meet recommended levels. On the basis of current dietary intakes in aged-care residents, increasing consumption of dairy foods to the recommended four servings daily ensures protein adequacy and may reduce malnutrition risk in institutionalised elderly, and so reduce risk of comorbidities and costs associated with malnutrition.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Endocrinology/Medicine,University of Melbourne/Austin Health,West Heidelberg,VIC 3081,Australia.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Iuliano
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Endocrinology/Medicine,University of Melbourne/Austin Health,West Heidelberg,VIC 3081,Australia.
authors.forename: Shirley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Poon
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Endocrinology/Medicine,University of Melbourne/Austin Health,West Heidelberg,VIC 3081,Australia.
authors.forename: Xiaofang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: 2Melbourne School of Population & Global Health,University of Melbourne,Parkville, VIC 3010,Australia.
authors.forename: Minh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bui
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Endocrinology/Medicine,University of Melbourne/Austin Health,West Heidelberg,VIC 3081,Australia.
authors.forename: Ego
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Seeman
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003611:Dairy Products; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status
keywords:  BW body weight;  IGF-1 insulin-like growth factor-1;  MNA Mini Nutrition Assessment;  RDI recommended dietary intake; Aged-care facilities; Dairy foods; Elderly; Malnutrition; Mini Nutrition Assessment