Nutritional management interventions and multi-dimensional outcomes in frail and pre-frail older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Frailty, a prevalent geriatric syndrome, presents challenges exacerbated by malnutrition. Nutritional Management Interventions (NMIs) offer hope in frailty reversal, necessitating exploration of their multi-dimensional outcomes. OBJECTIVES: Assess NMIs' impact on frail and pre-frail older adults across diverse outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies (2012-2023) evaluated NMIs' effects on physical, dietary, psychological, and frailty aspects. Literature quality was assessed, and data analyzed with Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies involving participants were included in the analysis. Participants numbered 968, with the intervention group averaging 77.05±0.77 years and the control group 78.75±0.8 years. Compared to control groups,NMIs significantly increased body weight (SMD = 0.26, P = 0.03) and improved gait speed (SMD = 0.18, P = 0.03). Protein intake showed significance for interventions≤12 weeks (SMD = 1.04, P < 0.001). No significant differences in energy intake (SMD = 0.20, P = 0.60), but >12 weeks NMIs reduced energy intake (SMD = -0.73, P = 0.006). No significant differences in depressive symptoms, frailty scores, BMI, TUG, Handgrip Strength, or SPPB. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis underscores NMIs' potential benefits for frail and pre-frail older adults. Personalized, multidimensional interventions are recommended despite study limitations, emphasizing extended interventions and diverse assessments for holistic care.