Related Experiment Videos
Guidelines for nutrition support in the elderly.
A M de la Torre1, B de Mateo Silleras, A Pérez-García
1Department of Internal Medicine (Nutrition), General Yagüe Hospital, Burgos, Spain. mijan@hgy.es
Public Health Nutrition
|March 29, 2002
Summary
Artificial nutrition (AN) is crucial for elderly health, often acting as primary therapy. Enteral feeding (EF) is preferred over parenteral nutrition (PN) when possible due to cost and invasiveness.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Nutritional support is vital for elderly health, complementing pharmacological treatments.
- The choice of artificial nutrition (AN) depends on individual health status and medical history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the principles and applications of artificial nutrition in the elderly.
- To emphasize the preference for enteral feeding (EF) over parenteral nutrition (PN) when appropriate.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices in artificial nutrition for geriatric patients.
- Discussion on the safety and efficacy of different AN methods.
Main Results:
- Enteral feeding (EF) is generally less expensive and invasive than parenteral nutrition (PN).
- Artificial nutrition (AN), when properly managed by trained professionals, is safe.
- Combined nutritional approaches can facilitate a transition to oral feeding.
Conclusions:
- Enteral feeding (EF) should be prioritized over parenteral nutrition (PN) unless contraindicated.
- Age alone is not a contraindication for AN, but quality of life, including oral feeding satisfaction, must be considered in end-of-life care.