DSM calls industry to action: micronutrient gap needs holistic approach

13 Jul 2022 --- A micronutrient intake gap in the elderly is impacting their immune function, according to DSM, which is highlighting the importance of a holistic strategy to prevent malnutrition. The company explains an expert panel recommends a new perspective on micronutrient consumption in the elderly as the COVID-19 pandemic revealed how susceptible the elderly are to infectious diseases.

Commenting on the findings published in a technical paper, Barbara Troesch, senior scientific affairs manager of global medical nutrition and pharmaceutics at DSM, tells NutritionInsight: “A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is advisable at any age.”

“However, due to the often reduced energy expenditure and food intake, elderly people require foods with a particularly high density of micronutrients and other essential nutrients.”

Troesch adds that the paper “acts as a call for action for various players across the nutrition industry to find ways to ensure that older adults receive these necessary nutrients.”

“Major challenge”
The panel of experts highlight “the importance of optimal intakes of several essential nutrients to support immunity in the elderly.”

Specialized nutrition products such as oral nutritional supplements or enteral feeding may be suitable for individuals who cannot meet their daily nutrient needs.“To achieve this with the diet alone is a major challenge and this can be made easier with specific nutritional products tailored for the needs of older people. The nutrition industry is well-positioned to develop and make such products available to older people,” adds Troesch.

The prevention of malnutrition, which lowers immune function, unfavorable patient outcomes and the emergence of non-communicable diseases, can also promote improved health, the company highlights.

Specialized nutrition
Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, optimal nutrition to support older individuals’ immune systems will continue to be a top priority. The paper outlines that when older people cannot achieve an acceptable nutritional status through diet alone, specialized nutrition products should be considered.

“There is an opportunity for specialized nutrition manufacturers to utilize these insights and help people stay healthy, reducing the rising costs associated with the care of older adults,” adds Troesch.

“Utilization of nutrients can be impaired due to changes related to the aging process, various diseases and multiple medications. The resulting decrease in food intake makes it difficult for them to cover all their needs for micronutrients and other essential nutrients, frequently resulting in a micronutrient intake gap.”

The paper details that specialized nutrition products such as oral nutritional supplements, enteral feeding (tube feeding) or parenteral nutrition may be suitable for individuals who cannot meet their daily nutrient needs, such as the elderly.

For instance, a recent DSM survey found that residents of care homes often fail to meet their nutritional requirements, with a decreased appetite as one of the main obstacles. This lack of compliance can result in various problems, including a higher risk of malnutrition and a weakened immune system.

To make these specialized nutrition solutions as appealing as possible, DSM advises exploring product and packaging attributes, such as smaller dosages, product formats (other than liquid), texture, easy-to-open packaging and ingredients that add flavor or offer familiar flavors that are not overly exotic.

Tackling immunosenescence
The greater susceptibility of elderly people to infections and poorer responses to immunizations are indications of the reduction in immunological function as individuals age, also known as immunosenescence. Therefore, immunosenescence adds to the need for improved nutrition.

Immunosenescence is the cause of the need for better nutrition as we age.DSM noted that to improve nutritional status and boost the immune system, medical nutrition, fortified meals and supplements are very important.

This is due to elderly populations being less likely to consume the vital nutrients needed to support immune function as they age because of physical, physiological and cognitive changes brought on by aging.

“Micronutrient requirements for older people are similar to those of adults in general or even increased, for example, in the case of vitamin D,” says Troesch. “However, appetite and food intake are often reduced, which is referred to as anorexia of aging.”

“Many factors potentially contribute to this syndrome, such as changes in taste and smell, as well as hormonal imbalances, but also altered gastrointestinal function, increased levels of inflammation as well as physical and social factors.”

Therefore meeting nutritional needs can be difficult when combined with a declining ability to absorb some nutrients and a higher risk of non-communicable diseases.

According to research, it is critical to maintain adequate nutrients like the omega 3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), selenium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E to combat age-related changes that can impair immune function.

Dosage for immune health
DSM adds that expert roundtable discussions previously covered recent research on nutrition’s role in supporting the aging immune system and strategies for manufacturers to support older individuals to consume sufficient essential nutrients. The research confirmed the positive impact vitamins C, D, and E, selenium and zinc have on immune health.

The paper advises the elderly to take multivitamins and trace element supplements along with at least 200 mg/d of vitamin C, 2000 IU/d of vitamin D, 8 to 11 mg/d of zinc and 250 mg/d of DHA + EPA to promote a healthy immune system.

The advantages of providing elderly people with a supplement that combines immune-supporting nutrients have also been revealed by research.

The recommendation is to give nutrients at the recommended daily allowance for nutrients where data is lacking.

By Nicole Kerr

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