Protein and energy supplementation in elderly people at risk from malnutrition

Abstract

Background Evidence for the effectiveness of nutritional supplements containing protein and energy, which are often prescribed for older people, is limited. Furthermore malnutrition is more common in this age group and deterioration of nutritional status can occur during illness. It is important to establish whether supplementing the diet is an effective way of improving outcomes for older people at risk from malnutrition. Objectives This review examined the evidence from trials for improvement in nutritional status and clinical outcomes when extra protein and energy were provided, usually in the form of commercial 'sip-feeds'. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Healthstar, CINAHL, BIOSIS, CAB abstracts. We also hand searched nutrition journals and reference lists and contacted 'sip-feed' manufacturers. Date of most recent search: March 2004. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials of oral protein and energy supplementation in older people with the exception of groups recovering from cancer treatment or in critical care. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers independently assessed trials prior to inclusion and independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Authors of trials were contacted for further information as necessary. Main results Forty-nine trials with 4790 randomised participants have been included in the review. Most included trials…