DSM tackles malnutrition among elderly with clinical nutrition

30 May 2022 --- Medical nutrition solutions need to be better integrated in a bid to tackle malnutrition in the elderly, DSM has spotlighted. With increasing age; metabolism, energy levels and nutrient bioavailability decrease, and hormone levels change.

Therefore there is a strong need for the elderly to eat the same, or a higher amount of nutrients, reaching a lower calorie intake and a higher nutrient density.

DSM has long stressed the issue of nutrition deficiencies, especially in the elderly, where 15 to 30% suffer from malnutrition. The company also flagged that in care homes, 60% are at risk for malnutrition.

“Growing clinical evidence demonstrates the benefits of integrating medical nutrition solutions such as oral nutrition supplements, enteral nutrition (tube feeding) and parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) – into the standard of care,” Dr. Barbara Troesch, senior scientific affairs manager Global Pharmaceutics & Medical Nutrition at DSM, tells NutritionInsight.

“This mitigates the risk of malnutrition and achieves the best possible clinical outcomes.”

Clinical nutrition and dietary innovations increased in popularity from skeptics of the healthcare industry.Challenges of personalization
DSM has adopted a condition-specific approach to its battle against elderly malnutrition. The company emphasizes the importance of different needs per patient group.

“First, we combined our patient insights with an in-depth knowledge of individual diseases and conditions to help identify gaps in the current market. We are now partnering with customers to realize these opportunities by developing tailored concepts to support patients with conditions varying from sarcopenia to cancer – and more to come over the coming months,” says Troesch.

She highlights that commonly used medications can also alter nutrient requirements, as some drug products affect the absorption or metabolism of nutrients.

“With each person having different and complex nutritional requirements, which may change as the health status evolves, it is extremely challenging to create targeted and appealing solutions that meet the specific needs of individuals.” 

“Therefore it is essential to ensure that the elderly have access to the best possible nutritional care, as it is critical to supporting optimal immune function.”

Food as medicine
Among those skeptical of the modern health care system, a hunger for knowledge on alternative medical treatments and dietary inventions has increased.

Previously NutritionInsight reported that traditional healthcare providers ignore this demand. The internet has acted as the primary source of information on the topic, which is risky as it may lead to misinformation.

“Medical nutrition solutions must be consumed under medical supervision where the risk of developing disease-related malnutrition – a common condition arising from the specific nutritional needs that develop during a disease or its treatment – has been identified,” says Troesch. 

DSM mentions that nutritional shortfalls are often overlooked when people age, and individuals of all ages should be encouraged to consume nutritious meals.

“In elderly homes or clinical settings, incorporating nutritional therapy into standards of care or multimodal patient care has improved patient outcomes and overall well-being. Disease-related malnutrition is characterized by inadequate intake of energy, protein and/or micronutrients and can affect patients at any life stage, but is most prevalent in the elderly,” she adds.

Mental and physical barriers to eatingDifferent groups require different nutritional intake, and the same format does not go for all.
Troesch hails a “food-first approach” as essential to achieving the best possible nutritional care for those with medical nutrition needs.

“Food-first means encouraging the consumption of nutritious meals, or fortified foods, first and foremost to optimize nutritional status. If food and fortified products are insufficient, specialized products such as oral nutritional supplements are recommended,” she explains.

However, individuals in care homes do not always consume the oral nutritional supplements offered. Some people have mental or physical barriers to eating, feeling pressured at mealtimes, or being uninspired by limited and unappealing options.

“The choice of delivery format is critical to improving compliance, so we’ve been collaborating with several international organizations, including the European Aging Network, to learn more about the eating habits of elderly care home residents. The demand for tasty and nutritious food stood out from our research and the need to tailor solutions in line with the requirements of specific patient groups,” she notes. 

DSM delivers vitamins and minerals in a granule format to be sprinkled onto almost any food without significant taste changes.

“By using an IP-protected technology, the solution can be customized to cater to any specific nutritional requirements and support compliance and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable individuals worldwide,” Troesch concludes.

DSM recently joined a partnership with UNICEF and Sight and Life to tackle global malnutrition for all ages. 

By Beatrice Wihlander with additional reporting from Olivia Nelson