Malnutrition Elderly
Conditions
Keywords
Malnutrition, Undernutrition, Food multi-mix
Brief summary
Malnutrition is a major health concern among older adults in Pakistan due to cultural, economic, and health barriers that limit proper nutrition. This study aims to develop a culturally appropriate, protein-enriched food multi-mix (FMM) using locally available cereals, legumes, and soybean meal to improve the nutritional status of older adults. The study includes both a cross-sectional survey to assess malnutrition prevalence and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the FMM intervention.
Detailed description
Malnutrition, particularly under nutrition poses a significant threat to the health and quality of life of older adults in Pakistan. Age-related changes in body composition, including a decrease in total body protein, lead to complications such as poor wound healing, reduced skin elasticity, and lower resistance to infection. Many older adults in Pakistan are unable to meet their daily protein requirements due to socioeconomic and dietary constraints. This project aims to develop a protein-enriched food multi-mix (FMM) tailored to the cultural preferences and nutritional needs of older adults in Pakistan. The concept of FMM is a novel and scientific approach to food diversification, combining traditional food knowledge with modern food technology. A randomized control trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of the proposed protein-enriched recipe. The duration of the intervention study was 3 months, and one serving of the product was given to the study participants.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTProtein-Enriched Food Multi-Mix (FMM)
The FMM was developed using locally sourced cereals and legumes and was enhanced with soybean meal. It was tailored to the taste preferences and dietary needs of older adults.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTFortified Food Multi-Mix (FMM)
This is the fortified version of the standard FMM, with added essential micronutrients to improve nutritional status.
OTHERPhysical Activity
A structured physical activity regimen appropriate for older adults was implemented daily. The activities were designed to enhance muscle strength, mobility, and overall health.
Sponsors
University of Lahore
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Open-label study; participants and investigators were aware of the intervention.
Intervention model description
The study involved five parallel groups: 1) a control group consuming their normal diet 2) one receiving the protein-enriched food multi-mix (FMM), 3) one receiving Fortified FMM, 4) one receiving FMM with daily physical activity, 5) one receiving fortified FMM with daily Physical activity
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
People aged 60 years and above * Community-residing older adults * Older adults without severe chronic diseases (e.g., end-stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, uncontrolled diabetes, and cancer) * Older adults following a normal diet with no dietary restriction * Able to eat themselves * Willing to participate in the study * Willing to follow the study protocol, including dietary intervention
Exclusion criteria
* Critically ill patients admitted to the hospital * Older adults having medical conditions that require a restriction of protein-enriched foods * Persons with a mental illness and disability * People who are allergic to protein * Older adults having malabsorption syndrome and swallowing problems
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Nutritional Status | Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention | Nutritional status was assessed by using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), a validated screening tool with scores ranging from 0 to 14, where higher scores indicate better nutritional status and lower scores indicate risk of malnutrition or malnutrition. This form consists of six main items and has a scoring of a total of 14 points classified as normal (12-14), at risk of malnutrition (8-11), and malnourished (0-7). The difference in MNA-SF scores before and after the intervention was measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the FMM and physical activity. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed