Energy dense oleic acid rich formula to newly admitted geriatric patients--feasibility and effects on energy intake

Old patients seldom reach their energy requirements. The effects of an oleic acid rich formula on energy intake and appetite were studied.

Recently admitted geriatric patients (n = 71), likely to stay >1 week were randomised to receive 30 ml of a fat emulsion (Calogen(®)) 3 times daily, i.e., 420 kcal, at the regular medication rounds (intervention group (IG)) or to standard care (control group (CG)). Food intake and self-rated appetite were registered at baseline, i.e., 2-3 days after admission and on day 8 or the day prior to discharge. Nutritional risk screening (NRS) 2002, serum lipids and fatty acid profiles were analysed.

Fifty-one subjects fulfilled the study, i.e., 24 in the IG (83 ± 7 y) and 27 controls (85 ± 7 y). NRS showed that two thirds were at risk of malnutrition. Per-protocol analyses indicated that the daily energy intake was around 50% higher in IG compared to CG at the two measurements, respectively (p < 0.0001). The IG displayed a significantly improved appetite compared with the CG (P = 0.021). Serum lipids and fatty acid profile changed favourably by the intervention.

An energy dense oleic acid rich liquid supplement given three times daily at medication rounds to geriatric patients may result in increased energy intake and better appetite with positive effects on serum lipids. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01042340.