DSM urges specialized nutrition to help immunity for elderly

06 Dec 2021 --- DSM is calling for a “food first” approach to addressing malnutrition in the senior population.

Between 15-30% of the elderly suffer from malnutrition, DSM has flagged. Its new whitepaper highlights the importance of personalized nutrition in light of immunity concerns, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Manufacturers across the food and health industries can turn the latest nutritional science into targeted specialized nutrition solutions that will help support the health and independence of senior adults,” Araksya Topchyan, global marketing manager medical nutrition at DSM, tells NutritionInsight.

“These insights could also inform new nutritional recommendations and guidelines in the elderly, and influence policy changes – related to malnutrition screening and nutritional care – to better support senior adults in care settings such as hospitals and care homes.”

Vitamin C is an important nutrient linked to immunity.

Reduced immunity in elderly 
In care homes, around 60% of residents are at risk for malnutrition, which is strongly associated with reduced immune function. 

“Known as immunosenescence, immune function gradually declines as we age. This impacts our capacity to respond to infection and maintain long-term immune memory, which in turn increases our vulnerability toward disease and infection,” notes DSM. 

A number of factors contribute to malnutrition in the senior population, including anorexia of aging and medication use.

“Because of anorexia of aging, older individuals are less likely to obtain the nutrients and energy they need to maintain optimal immune function,” says senior scientific affairs manager global medical nutrition and pharmaceutics at DSM, Barbara Troesch.

Additionally, the elderly often suffer from inflammaging or chronic low-grade inflammation. While inflammation is an important element of an immune response, sustained inflammation can accelerate biological aging, says the paper. 

This can accelerate biological aging and contribute to a number of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, frailty, sarcopenia and Alzheimer’s. 

Boosting vaccination coverage?
According to the paper, elderly people – particularly those who are frail or malnourished – are at risk of poorer responses to the COVID-19 vaccine compared to younger people.

“The same mechanisms that generate an effective immune response to infection also help generate immunity to vaccination. It is therefore believed that micronutrient deficiency contributes to poor vaccine response,” says Troesch. 

“A supplement containing nutrients that are well-known to support immune function like vitamins D, C and E, taken in the weeks leading up to vaccinations, could help to overcome poor vaccine responses in older populations for instance,” notes Topchyan.

In individuals who are at risk of malnutrition or already considered malnourished, medical nutrition products that have been tailored towards immunity can help to support immune function too, and lower the risk of infection and disease, she adds.

Malnutrition has an impact on immunity, particularly in the elderly. 

Nutrition for immune support
The paper notes that a food-first approach is recommended, where individuals are encouraged to eat healthy, balanced meals. 

The use of specialized nutrition products like oral nutritional supplements, tube feeding or parenteral nutrition could be utilized to support health and immunity.

“Personalized nutritional care plans could help to support the health and quality of life of older people because recommendations are fine-tuned to the individual’s age, health and preferences,” underscores Topchyan.

These could be offered in a range of formats, flavors and textures, and developing products that can be easily integrated into mealtimes,” she adds.

As immunity has become an increasing concern due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Spanish study last week highlighted that AB Biotek’s beta-glucan ABB C1 supplement, rich in selenium and zinc, could boost trained immunity, in COVID-19 vaccinated individuals over the age of 60. 

The industry is also spotlighting how the growing senior population is driving increased demands for immunity, cognitive functions, heart health, vitality and strength.

Immunosenescence has also been the focus of a Lallemand Health Solutions review article that attempts to shed light on the understanding of how host-microbiota interactions shape the immune system.

By Andria Kades