Acidified Feedings in Preterm Infants: A Historical and Physiological Perspective.

The use of acidified milk for feeding infants has a long, interesting history that appears to have developed from the use of buttermilk in Holland as early as the late 19th century for feeding infants with diarrhea. Physicians in the early 20th century assumed that the observed benefits were from buttermilk's acidity leading to the practice of acidifying infant formula. The historical and physiological perspective on the use of acidified infant formula is now especially relevant with the emergence of an acidified liquid human milk fortifier for preterm infants. Here, we review that history, with a deeper dive into the contemporary research on the use of acidified human milk fortifiers, the consequences for preterm infants, and the underlying physiological mechanisms. KEY POINTS: · In the late 19th and early 20th century acidified feedings were in common use for sick infants.. · By the mid-20th century, acidified feedings tested in preterm infants resulted in acidic physiology and poor growth.. · The current practice of acidifying feedings in preterm infants has been associated with metabolic acidosis, poor tolerance, and delayed growth..

Prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasingly strong association between sarcopenia and malnutrition in research findings. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years) at risk of malnutrition based on Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 811 participants. Participants were recruited from the general population, community centers, senior activity centers, polyclinics, and hospital. Community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition participated in the study. Participants' data and measurements were collected at the baseline visit. Data included socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements, body composition, dietary intakes, and functional assessments. Sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus. RESULTS: Of the 694 participants with complete datasets, overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 76% (n = 530); 57% (n = 393) had severe sarcopenia. In the overall cohort, compared to participants without sarcopenia, those with sarcopenia were older, had lower physical activity scale for the elderly score, leg strength, handgrip endurance, mid-upper arm circumference, calf circumference, and bone mass, and had lower dietary protein intake and poorer nutritional status (all p ≤ 0.015). After adjusting for confounders, sarcopenia was significantly associated with older age, male gender, higher risk of malnutrition, lower calf circumference, and lower bone mass (all p ≤ 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: In community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition, there is a high prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia. As such, screening positive for either malnutrition risk or sarcopenia in older adults should prompt screening for the other risk factor, to allow early institution of disease modifying interventions to forestall adverse outcomes for both malnutrition and sarcopenia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03245047 .

Improved Outcomes in Preterm Infants Fed a Nonacidified Liquid Human Milk Fortifier: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare growth, feeding tolerance, and clinical and biochemical evaluations in human milk-fed preterm infants randomized to receive either an acidified or a nonacidified liquid human milk fortifier. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, controlled, parallel, multicenter growth and tolerance study included 164 preterm infants (≤32 weeks of gestation, birth weight 700-1500 g) who were randomized to acidified or nonacidified liquid human milk fortifier from study day 1, the first day of fortification, through study day 29 or until hospital discharge. RESULTS: There was no difference in the primary outcome of weight gain from study days 1 to 29 (acidified liquid human milk fortifier, 16.4 ± 0.4 g/kg/day; nonacidified liquid human milk fortifier, 16.9 ± 0.4 g/kg/day). However, in both the intention-to-treat and the protocol evaluable analyses, infants fed nonacidified liquid human milk fortifier had significantly greater weight gain from study days 1 to 15 (17.9 g/kg/day vs 15.2 g/kg/day; P = .001). Infants fed with acidified liquid human milk fortifier received more protein (4.26 vs g/kg/day 4.11 g/kg/day, P = .0099) yet had lower blood urea nitrogen values (P = .010). The group fed acidified liquid human milk fortifier had more vomiting (10.3% vs 2.4%; P = .018), gastric residuals (12.8% vs 3.7%; P = .022), and metabolic acidosis (27% vs 5%; P < .001) in the intention-to-treat analysis and more abdominal distension (14.0% vs 1.7%; P = .015) in the protocol evaluable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Infants fed an acidified liquid human milk fortifier had higher rates of metabolic acidosis and poor feeding tolerance compared with infants fed a nonacidified liquid human milk fortifier. Initial weight gain was poorer with the acidified liquid human milk fortifier. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02307760.

Milk protein-based formulas containing different oils affect fatty acids balance in term infants: A randomized blinded crossover clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Palm olein is used in infant formula fat blends in order to match the fatty acid profile of human milk. While the effects on fatty acid balance have been evaluated, the use of palm olein in combination with palm kernel oil and supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) has not been similarly assessed in infants. This study evaluated the effects of infant formulas containing different fat compositions on the balance of fat, fatty acids, and calcium. METHODS: In this randomized, crossover, double-blinded study, 33 healthy term infants (68-159 ± 3 days of age at enrollment) were fed two formulas for 14 days in a tolerance period, followed by a 4-day metabolic balance period in 17 of the male subjects. The study compared two commercially available milk-based powdered formulas in Brazil; the PALM formula contained palm olein (44%), kernel palm oil (21.7%), and canola oil (18.5%) as the predominant fats, whereas the NoPALM formula contained other fat sources. RESULTS: Fat absorption (%) was greater for NoPALM versus PALM-fed infants (96.55 and 95.50%, respectively; p = 0.023). The absorption percentage of palmitic acid (C16:0) did not differ significantly between formulas (p > 0.05), but this acid was excreted at significantly higher concentrations in the PALM (29.42 mg/kg/day) than in the NoPALM (12.28 mg/kg/day) formula groups. DHA and ARA absorption percentages were also higher in NoPALM-fed infants. Calcium absorption was higher in NoPALM-fed infants (58.00%) compared to those fed PALM (40.90%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.104) when calcium intake was used as a covariate. However, calcium retention was higher in NoPALM-fed infants compared to that in PALM-fed infants with or without calcium intake as a covariate. Adverse events did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The absorption of essential fatty acids was similar for both formulas; however, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and ARA) were better absorbed from the NoPALM formula. Fat absorption and calcium retention were lower in term infants fed the PALM-based formula. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrial.gov # NCT00941564 .

Growth and Tolerance of Preterm Infants Fed a New Extensively Hydrolyzed Liquid Human Milk Fortifier.

OBJECTIVES: This study was a comparison of growth and tolerance in premature infants fed either standard powdered human milk fortifier (HMF) or a newly formulated concentrated liquid that contained extensively hydrolyzed protein. METHODS: This was an unblinded randomized controlled multicenter noninferiority study on preterm infants receiving human milk (HM) supplemented with 2 randomly assigned HMFs, either concentrated liquid HMF containing extensively hydrolyzed protein (LE-HMF) or a powdered intact protein HMF (PI-HMF) as the control. The study population consisted of preterm infants ≤33 weeks who were enterally fed HM. Infants were studied from the first day of HM fortification until day 29 or hospital discharge, whichever came first. RESULTS: A total of 147 preterm infants were enrolled. Noninferiority was observed in weight gain reported in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis was 18.2 and 17.5 g · kg(-1) · day(-1) for the LE-HMF and PI-HMF groups, respectively. In an a priori defined subgroup of strict protocol followers (n = 75), the infants fed LE-HMF achieved greater weight over time than those fed PI-HMF (P = 0.036). The LE-HMF group achieved greater linear growth over time compared to the PI-HMF (P = 0.029). The protein intake from fortified HM was significantly higher in the LE-HMF group compared with the PI-HMF group (3.9 vs 3.3 g · kg(-1) · day(-1), P < 0.0001). Both fortifiers were well tolerated with no significant differences in overall morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Both fortifiers showed excellent weight gain (grams per kilograms per day), tolerance, and low incidence of morbidity outcomes with the infants who were strict protocol followers fed LE-HMF having improved growth during the study. These data point to the safety and suitability of this new concentrated liquid HMF (LE-HMF) in preterm infants. Growth with this fortifier closely matches the recent recommendations for a weight gain of >18 g · kg(-1) · day(-1).

Two single group, prospective, baseline-controlled feeding studies in infants and children with chronic diarrhea fed a hypoallergenic free amino acid-based formula.

BACKGROUND: Infants and children with chronic diarrhea (CD) often require specialized foods or parenteral nutrition (PN) to achieve adequate nutrient intakes to support growth and development. We assessed the efficacy of an amino acid-based formula (AAF) in supporting growth and improving symptoms in infants and children with CD from multiple etiologies. METHODS: Two studies were conducted: CD study in children (CD-C) and CD study in infants (CD-I). Each was a single group, baseline-controlled study in which each subject served as his/her own control. At enrollment, all subjects had CD lasting > 2 weeks and had ≥ 4 stools/day. Subjects were fed an AAF for 80 days starting at SD5, and were assessed at SD 28 and 84. RESULTS CD-C: 18 of 19 subjects completed the study. At enrollment, the mean age was 5.6 ± 0.7 years, the most common diagnosis was short bowel syndrome (SBS) (n = 13), and 5 subjects with SBS were on PN. Subjects achieved significant increases in weight-for-age z-scores (p = 0.026). Over 50% of subjects achieved improvements in clinical outcomes targeted most frequently by their physicians. Of the five subjects on PN at enrollment, four had substantial weight gain and four had their PN requirements decreased. CD-I: 22 of 27 subjects completed the study. At enrollment, the mean age was 3.3 ± 0.3 months, the most common diagnosis was food allergy (n = 20), and no subjects were on PN. Subjects achieved significant increases in weight-for-age z-scores (p = 0.0023), significant decreases in the number of stools/day (p = 0.0012), and improvements in stool consistency (p = 0.0024). Over 80% of subjects achieved improvements in the clinical outcomes targeted most frequently by their physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Infants and children with CD fed an AAF for three months displayed significant improvements in weight-for-age z-scores and clinical symptoms. Children dependent on PN also grew well and four of five decreased their dependence on PN. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Both trials were registered on ClinTrials.gov (CD-C, NCT01812629; CD-I, NCT01820494).

Calcium and fat metabolic balance, and gastrointestinal tolerance in term infants fed milk-based formulas with and without palm olein and palm kernel oils: a randomized blinded crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Effects of palm olein (POL) on calcium and fat metabolic balance and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance have been clinically evaluated but its use in combination with palm kernel oil (PKO), and canola oil has not been similarly assessed in infants. METHODS: Calcium and fat balance and GI tolerance were evaluated in 33 healthy term infants (age = 68-159 d) in a randomized, double-blinded, 14 d crossover trial at a day care center in Salvador, Brazil; followed by a 4d hospital ward metabolic balance study in 17 of the male subjects. The study compared two commercially available milk-based powdered formulas in Brazil; one containing POL (44% of total fat), PKO (21.7%) and canola oil (18.5%) as predominant fats (PALM), and the other containing none (NoPALM). Occasional human milk (HM) supplementation was allowed at home. RESULTS: Formula and HM intakes, and growth were not different (p > 0.05). Calcium absorption (%) for infants fed NoPALM (58.8 ± 16.7%; means ± SD) was higher (p = 0.023) than those fed PALM (42.1 ± 19.2%), but was not significant (p = 0.104) when calcium intake was used as a covariate. Calcium intake was higher (p < 0.001) in NoPALM versus PALM fed infants. However, calcium retention (%) was higher in infants fed NoPALM compared to PALM with (p = 0.024) or without (p = 0.015) calcium intake as a covariate. Fat absorption (%) for NoPALM was greater than PALM fed infants (NoPALM = 96.9 ± 1.2 > PALM = 95.1 ± 1.5; p = 0.020 in Study Period I). Mean rank stool consistency was softer in infants fed NoPALM versus PALM (p < 0.001; metabolic period). Adverse events, spit-up/vomit, fussiness and gassiness were not different (p > 0.05). Formula acceptability was high and comparable for both formula feedings, regardless of HM supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Term infants fed PALM based formula (containing palm olein, palm kernel and canola oils) demonstrated lower calcium retention and fat absorption, and less softer stool consistency versus infants fed NoPALM based formula. Study suggested formula fat differences may affect GI function in infants.

Pilot study on the impact of a carbohydrate loading drink on postprandial glycemic responses and gastric emptying in adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative carbohydrate (CHO) loading improves patient outcomes but is not extensively studied in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), resulting in limited professional recommendations. This study examined postprandial glycemic responses and gastric emptying rates following consumption of a CHO drink in adults with and without DM. METHODS: A single-arm, nonrandomized pilot trial was conducted in adults without DM (non-DM) (47.5 ± 2.5 years), with pre-DM (55.8 ± 3.0 years), and with type 2 DM (56.2 ± 2.5 years). Following an overnight fast, participants consumed a 50 g CHO drink followed by 1.5 g liquid paracetamol. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline (ie, t = 0 min) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 min for plasma glucose and serum insulin and paracetamol concentrations to assess gastric emptying. RESULTS: Participants with DM were older and had a higher body mass index than non-DM participants (31.2 ± 0.9 vs 28.2 ± 0.9). Fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels differed significantly across groups (non-DM: 95.4 ± 3.6 mg/dl and 5.2% ± 0.1%; pre-DM: 111.6 ± 3.6 mg/dl and 5.8% ± 0.1%; DM: 167.4 ± 3.6 mg/dl and 7.2% ± 0.1%). Compared with the non-DM group, DM had increased glucose responses at 30-180 min. Glucose returned to baseline at 150 min in the non-DM and pre-DM groups compared with 210 min in the DM group. Paracetamol concentrations were not significantly different between the non-DM and DM groups. CONCLUSION: Blood glucose returned to baseline within ~2.5 h in non-DM and pre-DM groups and ~3.5 h in participants with DM following ingestion of a CHO drink. No consistent differences in gastric emptying rates were observed between participants with and without DM.

Impact of a specialized oral nutritional supplement on quality of life in older adults following hospitalization: Post-hoc analysis of the NOURISH trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Both during and after hospitalization, nutritional care with daily intake of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) improves health outcomes and decreases risk of mortality in malnourished older adults. In a post-hoc analysis of data from hospitalized older adults with malnutrition risk, we sought to determine whether consuming a specialized ONS (S-ONS) containing high protein and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) can also improve Quality of Life (QoL). METHODS: We analyzed data from the NOURISH trial-a randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center, double-blind study conducted in patients with congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients received standard care + S-ONS or placebo beverage (target 2 servings/day) during hospitalization and for 90 days post-discharge. SF-36 and EQ-5D QoL outcomes were assessed at 0-, 30-, 60-, and 90-days post-discharge. To account for the missing QoL observations (27.7%) due to patient dropout, we used multiple imputation. Data represent differences between least squares mean (LSM) values with 95% Confidence Intervals for groups receiving S-ONS or placebo treatments. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 622 patients of mean age ±standard deviation: 77.9 ± 8.4 years and of whom 52.1% were females. Patients consuming placebo had lower (worse) QoL domain scores than did those consuming S-ONS. Specifically for the SF-36 health domain scores, group differences (placebo vs S-ONS) in LSM were significant for the mental component summary at day 90 (-4.23 [-7.75, -0.71]; p = 0.019), the domains of mental health at days 60 (-3.76 [-7.40, -0.12]; p = 0.043) and 90 (-4.88 [-8.41, -1.34]; p = 0.007), vitality at day 90 (-3.33 [-6.65, -0.01]; p = 0.049) and social functioning at day 90 (-4.02 [-7.48,-0.55]; p = 0.023). Compared to placebo, differences in LSM values for the SF-36 general health domain were significant with improvement in the S-ONS group at hospital discharge and beyond: day 0 (-2.72 [-5.33, -0.11]; p = 0.041), day 30 (-3.08 [-6.09, -0.08]; p = 0.044), day 60 (-3.95 [-7.13, -0.76]; p = 0.015), and day 90 (-4.56 [-7.74, -1.38]; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized older adults with cardiopulmonary diseases and evidence of poor nutritional status, daily intake of S-ONS compared to placebo improved post-discharge QoL scores for mental health/cognition, vitality, social functioning, and general health. These QoL benefits complement survival benefits found in the original NOURISH trial analysis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01626742.

Growth and Gastrointestinal Tolerance in Healthy Term Infants Fed Milk-Based Infant Formula Supplemented with Five Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs): A Randomized Multicenter Trial.

Background: Five of the most abundant human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in human milk are 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) and 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL). Methods: A randomized, double-blind, controlled parallel feeding trial evaluated growth in healthy term infants fed a control milk-based formula (CF; n = 129), experimental milk-based formula (EF; n = 130) containing five HMOs (5.75 g/L; 2'-FL, 3-FL, LNT, 3'-SL and 6'-SL) or human milk (HM; n = 104). Results: No significant differences (all p ≥ 0.337, protocol evaluable cohort) were observed among the three groups for weight gain per day from 14 to 119 days (D) of age, irrespective of COVID-19 or combined non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. There were no differences (p ≥ 0.05) among the three groups for gains in weight and length from D14 to D119. Compared to the CF group, the EF group had more stools that were soft, frequent and yellow and were similar to the HM group. Serious and non-serious adverse events were not different among groups, but more CF-fed infants were seen by health care professionals for illness from study entry to D56 (p = 0.044) and D84 (p = 0.028) compared to EF-fed infants. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the EF containing five HMOs supported normal growth, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance and safe use in healthy term infants.

Optimal Cutoffs for the Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Older Chinese Adults.

Background: The optimal criteria for sarcopenia in the older Chinese population have not been defined. Consequently, this study aims to determine the optimal cutoffs of grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and gait speed, comprising the best definition of sarcopenia for older Chinese populations. Methods: A total of 2,821 (1,398 men and 1,423 women) community-dwelling older people (≥60 years) and 409 (205 men and 204 women) young healthy adults (25-34 years) were recruited from three big cities in China. Besides gait speed and grip strength, we examined ASMI by BIA and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), comprising the three components of sarcopenia. DXA classification for low ASMI, 20th percentile among older adults in the study sample, was found to be best compared with the other existing classification, 1 SD and 2 SD below the mean for the young population, and was used as the gold standard to determine the optimal cutoffs of BIA using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC). The cutoffs of handgrip strength and gait speed were determined following the same rule. Results: Using gender-specific 20th percentiles of DXA (6.53 kg/m2 for men and 5.40 kg/m2 for women), the cutoffs 7.05 kg/m2 for men and 5.85 kg/m2 for women were determined as optimal cutoffs of BIA by achieving the largest sensitivity (0.81, 95% CI: 0.63-0.93 for men and 0.90, 95% CI: 0.73-0.98 for women) and specificity greater than 0.80 (0.80, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87 for men and 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87 for women) in the ROC analysis. The 28.5 kg and 1.05 m/s for men and 18.6 kg and 1.01 m/s for women were determined as the cutoffs for handgrip strength and gait speed, respectively. Based on the derived cutoffs, 14.2% of men and 15.7% of women in the older Chinese study population were classified as sarcopenia. Conclusion: Notably, 7.05 kg/m2, 28.5 kg, and 1.05 m/s for men and 5.85 kg/m2, 18.6 kg, and 1.01 m/s for women were selected as the optimal cutoffs for low ASMI by BIA, handgrip strength, and gait speed, respectively. These optimal cutoffs will enhance practicability for screening sarcopenia in primary care and clinical settings.

Efficacy of Soy-Based Formulas in Alleviating Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants With Milk-Based Formula Intolerance: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

A randomized, blinded pilot clinical study was conducted to assess gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance in healthy, full-term infants (2-9 weeks old), whose pediatricians recommended a formula change due to perceived cow's milk formula intolerance. Infants were randomized and exclusively fed either a commercial control soy formula (SF; n = 22), an experimental partially hydrolyzed SF (10% hydrolyzed, n = 23), or a 5% hydrolyzed SF (n = 26) for 2 weeks. Age-matched reference cohorts (n = 72) with no GI intolerance on milk-based formula were assessed in parallel. Results indicated that all SF-fed groups contributed to reduction (P < .05) in common GI tolerance symptoms to levels not different from the non-symptomatic reference cohort at study end. The control SF group had more reduced fussiness, gas, and crying and higher formed stools versus hydrolyzed SF groups. In conclusion, the study suggests that SFs reduced GI intolerance symptoms in otherwise healthy infants with poor tolerance on milk-based formulas.

Growth, Tolerance, and Compliance of Infants Fed an Extensively Hydrolyzed Infant Formula with Added 2'-FL Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) Human Milk Oligosaccharide.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth, tolerance and compliance effects of an extensively hydrolyzed formula with added 2'-FL in an intended use population of infants. METHODS: A non-randomized, single-group, multicenter study was conducted. Infants (0-60 days of age) with suspected food protein allergy, persistent feeding intolerance, or presenting conditions where an extensively hydrolyzed formula (eHF) was deemed appropriate were enrolled in a 2-month feeding trial. The primary outcome was maintenance of weight for age z-score during the study. Weight, length, head circumference, formula intake, tolerance measures, clinical symptoms and questionnaires were collected. Forty-eight infants were enrolled and 36 completed the study. RESULTS: Weight for age z-scores of infants showed a statistically significant improvement from study day 1 to study day 60 (0.32 ± 0.11, p = 0.0078). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results of the study demonstrate that the study formula was well tolerated, safe and supported growth in the intended population.

Specialized oral nutritional supplement (ONS) improves handgrip strength in hospitalized, malnourished older patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary disease: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) are used to treat malnutrition and improve clinical outcomes in malnourished patients. Poor handgrip strength (HGS) is associated with an increased risk of mortality, disability and other adverse health consequences. This analysis examined the effect of a specialized ONS on HGS and its relationship to nutritional status in hospitalized, older adults with malnutrition who were participants in the NOURISH trial. METHODS: We enrolled older (≥65years), malnourished (Subjective Global Assessment [SGA] class B/C) adults hospitalized for cardiovascular and pulmonary events: congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NOURISH study). During hospitalization and until 90 days after discharge, participants received standard-of-care plus a high protein and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate containing ONS (S-ONS; n = 328) or a placebo supplement (n = 324), aimed at 2 servings/day. HGS was evaluated by dynamometer at baseline, hospital discharge, day (d) 30, d60, and d90 post-discharge. RESULTS: Post hoc, repeated measures analysis of data at discharge, d30, d60, and d90 showed significantly higher HGS in the S-ONS vs. the placebo group in the evaluable group (Least Squares Means ± Standard Error: (23.25 ± 0.25 vs. 22.63 ± 0.25, p = 0.043). At d90, there was a significant positive association between HGS and nutritional status (SGA) improvements in the entire cohort: 49% of participants with increased HGS from discharge had improved nutritional status versus 31% with unchanged or decreased HGS (p = 0.003). HGS and the scores on the Katz index of independence in activities of daily living (ADL) were positively associated at all visits including all ITT subjects (Pearson's r range: 0.24 to 0.34, all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: S-ONS provided during hospitalization and up to 90 days post-discharge improves HGS in malnourished older adults following cardiovascular and pulmonary events and may contribute to improvement in patients' overall recovery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01626742.

Reduced mortality risk in malnourished hospitalized older adult patients with COPD treated with a specialized oral nutritional supplement: Sub-group analysis of the NOURISH study.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized, malnourished older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an elevated risk of readmission and mortality. OBJECTIVE: Post-hoc, sub-group analysis from the NOURISH study cohort examined the effect of a high-protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing HMB (HP-HMB) in malnourished, hospitalized older adults with COPD and to identify predictors of outcomes. METHODS: The NOURISH study (n = 652) was a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The COPD subgroup (n = 214) included hospitalized, malnourished (based on Subjective Global Assessment), older adults (≥65 y), with admission diagnosis of COPD who received either standard-of-care plus HP-HMB (n = 109) or standard-of-care and a placebo supplement (n = 105) prescribed 2 servings/day from within 3 days of hospital admission (baseline) and up to 90 days after discharge. The primary study outcome was a composite endpoint of incidence of death or non-elective readmission up to 90-day post-discharge, while secondary endpoints included changes in hand-grip strength, body weight, and nutritional biomarkers over time. Categorical outcomes were analyzed using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests, longitudinal data by repeated measures analysis of covariance; and changes from baseline by analysis of covariance. p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model predictors of the primary outcome and components. RESULTS: In patients with COPD, 30, 60, and 90-day hospital readmission rate did not differ, but in contrast, 30, 60, and 90-day mortality risk was approximately 71% lower with HP-HMB supplementation relative to placebo (1.83%, 2.75%, 2.75% vs. 6.67%, 9.52% and 10.48%, p = 0.0395, 0.0193, 0.0113, resp.). In patients with COPD, compared to placebo, intake of HP-HMB resulted in a significant increase in handgrip strength (+1.56 kg vs. -0.34 kg, p = 0.0413) from discharge to day 30; increased body weight from baseline to hospital discharge (0.66 kg vs. -0.01 kg, p < 0.05) and, improvements in blood nutritional biomarker concentrations. The multivariate logistic regression predictors of the death, readmission or composite endpoints in these COPD patients showed that participants who were severely malnourished (p = 0.0191) and had a Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) Score of 1 or 2 had statistically significant odds of readmission or death (p = 0.0227). CONCLUSIONS: Among malnourished, hospitalized patients with COPD, supplementation with HP-HMB was associated with a markedly decreased mortality risk, and improved handgrip strength, body weight, and nutritional biomarkers within a 90-day period after hospital discharge. This post-hoc, subgroup analysis highlights the importance of early identification of nutritional risk and administration of high-protein ONS in older, malnourished patients with COPD after hospital admission and continuing after hospital discharge.

Prevalence of low muscle mass and associated factors in community-dwelling older adults in Singapore.

The population is rapidly aging worldwide, and there is an age-related decline in muscle mass. Therefore, it is important to examine the prevalence and associated factors of low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) in older adults. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were (i) to determine the prevalence of low ASMI (ASM/height2) and (ii) to identify factors associated with low ASMI. This study included 1211 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years. Low ASMI was defined as < 7.0 kg/m2 in males and < 5.7 kg/m2 in females (bioelectrical impedance analysis). Gender-specific cut-off values of calf circumference for low ASMI were determined. The prevalence of low ASMI in the overall cohort was 59.9%, i.e., 57.0% among males and 61.8% among females, with no significant difference between genders (P = 0.1068). The prevalence of low ASMI was 81.3% in individuals at risk of malnutrition compared to 20.6% in their counterparts with normal nutritional status (P < 0.0001). Participants with low ASMI were older, had lower physical activity scores, and greater likelihood of hospitalization in prior 6 months compared with normal ASMI (all P < 0.0001). Low ASMI was associated with risk of malnutrition (odds ratio: 3.58 for medium risk, odds ratio: 12.50 for high risk), older age, smoking, drinking, smaller calf circumference, and lower bone mass (all P ≤ 0.0328). Cut-off values of calf circumference for low ASMI for males was 33.4 cm and for females was 32.2 cm. In conclusion, we found that low ASMI was highly prevalent among community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition. Other significant factors associated with low ASMI were age, smoking, drinking, calf circumference, and bone mass. Screening community-dwelling older adults for risk of malnutrition can prevent or delay onset of low ASMI.

Associations between socio-demographics, nutrition knowledge, nutrition competencies and attitudes in community-dwelling healthy older adults in Singapore: findings from the SHIELD study.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition literacy refers to an individual's knowledge, motivation and competencies to access, process and understand nutrition information to make nutrition-related decisions. It is known to influence dietary habits of individuals including older adults. This cross-sectional study was designed to: (1) understand the nutrition knowledge, competencies and attitudes of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore, (2) examine the differences between their nutrition knowledge, and socio-demographic factors, competencies and attitudes and (3) identify factors associated with better nutrition knowledge in older healthy adults in Singapore. METHODS: A total of 400 (183 males and 217 females) nourished community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above took part in this study. Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) was used to determine individuals who were at low risk of undernutrition. Nutrition knowledge, competencies, attitudes and sources of nutrition information were measured using a locally developed scale. Nutrition knowledge scores were summed to form the nutrition knowledge index (NKI). Associations between NKI, competencies, attitudes and socio-demographic variables were examined using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Factors associated with NKI were determined using a stepwise regression model with resampling-based methods for model averaging. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses found significant differences in NKI scores for gender, monthly household earnings, type of housing, the self-reported ability to seek and understand nutrition information and having access to help from family/friends. Females had higher NKI scores compared to males (p < 0.001). Compared to females, more males left food decisions to others (p < 0.001), and fewer males reported consuming home-cooked food (p = 0.016). Differences in educational level were found for competencies like the self-reported ability to seek (p < 0.001) and verify nutrition information (p < 0.001). Stepwise regression analysis showed that being female, Chinese, self-reported ability to understand nutrition information and having access to help from family/friends were associated with higher NKI scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that nutrition knowledge of older males in Singapore was lower than females and more left food decisions to others. Nutrition education programs could be targeted at both the older male, their caregivers and minority ethnic groups. Trial Registration This study was registered on 7 August 2017 at clinicaltrials.gov (ref. NCT03240952).

Impact of specialized oral nutritional supplement on clinical, nutritional, and functional outcomes: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The world's over-65 population is expanding rapidly, and the risk of malnutrition is prevalent in this population. Meeting nutritional needs is a recognized strategy to reduce and address multiple debilitating adverse health outcomes associated with malnutrition. The objective of this randomized, controlled trial was to determine the effects of oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), along with dietary counseling, on health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition. METHODS: Strengthening Health In ELDerly through nutrition (SHIELD) studied adults aged ≥ 65 years in Singapore who were recruited between August 2017 and March 2019. Participants were community ambulant and classified as medium or high risk for malnutrition using Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Participants (n = 811) were randomly assigned to one of two study treatments for 180 days: (i) two servings/day of ONS containing HMB with dietary counseling (n = 405) or (ii) two servings/day of placebo supplement with dietary counseling (n = 406). The primary composite outcome was 'survival without hospital (re)admission and with at least 5% weight gain to day 180'. Dietary intakes, nutritional and functional outcomes were measured at baseline, 30, 90, and 180 days. RESULTS: A higher proportion in intervention group met the 180-day primary composite outcome compared to placebo (33.4% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.001), largely driven by body weight component (36.2% vs. 9.4%, P < 0.001). Survival and hospital (re)admission rate were not significantly different between the groups. Weight, BMI, and mid upper arm circumference were significantly greater in the intervention group compared to placebo during the study (all P < 0.001), and at days 30, 90, and 180 (all P < 0.05). The odds of having better nutritional status during the study were also significantly higher in the intervention group compared to placebo, as measured using MUST risk (OR = 2.68, P < 0.001) and vitamin D status (OR = 4.23, P < 0.001). Intervention group had significantly higher energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intakes than the placebo group (all P ≤ 0.017). Leg strength at day 90 was significantly greater for the intervention group than for the placebo group (LSM ± SE: 12.85 ± 0.22 vs. 12.17 ± 0.22; P = 0.030). Handgrip strength for females was significantly higher at day 180 for the intervention group compared to placebo (LSM ± SE: 14.18 ± 0.17 vs. 13.70 ± 0.17; P = 0.048). Within the low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) subgroup, the intervention group had significantly greater calf circumference at days 90 and 180 compared to placebo (both P ≤ 0.0289). CONCLUSIONS: For community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition, daily consumption of specialized ONS containing HMB and vitamin D for six months, along with dietary counseling, significantly improved nutritional and functional outcomes compared to placebo supplement with dietary counseling. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.govNCT03245047.

Nutritional Biomarkers and Associated Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Findings from the SHIELD Study.

Aging is associated with intrinsic and extrinsic changes which affect the nutrient intake and nutritional status of an older individual. Suboptimal nutritional status is linked with adverse health outcomes. There are limited data in this area for community-dwelling older adults who are not at risk of malnutrition. The objective of this study was to describe the nutritional biomarkers in 400 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥65 years) with normal nutritional status (Malnutrition Universal Screening Test score of 0) in Singapore and to identify factors associated with these biomarkers. The majority of the participants had normal levels of pre-albumin, albumin, total protein, creatinine, zinc, corrected calcium, vitamin B12, ferritin and hemoglobin. Females had significantly higher levels of corrected calcium and vitamin B12 than males, whereas males had significantly higher levels of pre-albumin, albumin, creatinine, serum ferritin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and hemoglobin than females. About half of the participants (52%) had low level of 25(OH)D (<30 µg/L) and 10% had low zinc level (<724 µg/L). Among those with low level of 25(OH)D, 74% had 25(OH)D insufficiency (20-<30 µg/L) and 26% had 25(OH)D deficiency (<20 µg/L). Younger age, female gender, non-Chinese ethnicity and no intake of vitamin D supplement were associated with lower serum 25(OH)D level, whereas higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with low zinc level. These findings highlight the problem of hidden nutritional insufficiencies can be missed in seemingly normal nourished community-dwelling older adults.