Acetylsalicylic acid dose fails to affect energy intake of osteoarthritic elderly

The objective of the study was to determine the effect on energy intake and appetite of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), commonly used by the elderly to treat arthritis. In a double blind cross-over study, 23 free-living osteoarthritic patients 60 years of age or older were treated for two-weeks intervals with a mean daily ASA intake of 2.44 and 1.29 grams, respectively. Twenty healthy persons similar in age, taking no medication, and matched in sociocultural characteristics were included as a control group. Appetite was measured directly, using a visual analogue scale, and indirectly by calculating energy intake from three-day food records. Varying the dose of ASA was without effect on appetite and food energy intake; however, as appetite was rated lower by the medicated osteoarthritic than by the healthy group, although the energy intakes were not significantly different, the former should be considered as potentially at nutritional risk.