ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND MALNUTRITION RISK IN HEALTHY ELDERLY GEORGIANS

The aim of the research was: evaluation of nutritional status and malnutrition risks of Georgian healthy elderly, to use modern assessment methods according to our research goal, development and adaptation of adequate approach considering specificity of Georgian population. Our research is the first study of nutritional status in Georgian elderly. Study group ≥ 60 y (n=75): men (n=14), women (n=61); Subgroup <75 y (n=64): men (n=9), women (n=55); Subgroup 75+ y (n=11): men (n=5), women (n=6). We first time used the standard and alternative anthropometric measurements, SF-BIA and validated equations for FFM (Kyle et al.) and TBW (Vache et al.); clinical, laboratory and dietary (adapted questionnaire) assessment. Estimated energy requirement (EER) was calculated using validated equation, research group was divided into 4 subgroups based on the diet energy intake to EER ratio (over 100%, >75 and ≤100%, >50 and ≤ 75%, ≤ 50%.). The findings of our study have shown the number of research participants with malnutrition according to different indicators: BMI - 0; MUAC - 0; AMA - 4; FFMI - 1; Albumin - 12; TLC - 38. Independet samples T test and ANOVA, Multiple Comparisons, Bonferroni, Paired Samples T test were used to compare variables. The difference between four subgroups was not revealed, except for nutrients and energy consumption indicators. Although there is the undernutrition of protein and energy in certain groups of participants, neither malnutrition screening tool (MNA-SF score 12-14) nor BMI and FFMI as the highest trustworthy diagnostic criteria do not reflect real condition. Predictively significant malnutrition can be left unattended, overlooked and undiagnosed without of energy intake assessment in practically healthy elderly. Therefore, he comparison of recent energy intake and estimated energy requirement is the best criterion for defining malnutrition.