EFFECT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND HANDGRIP STRENGTH BY DYNAMOMETRY OF AN ENTERAL SPECIFIC SUPLEMENTS WITH BETA-HYDROXY-BETA-METHYLBUTYRATE AND VITAMIN D IN ELDERLY PATIENTS.

AIM

the aim of our study was to investigate the effect on strenght and quality of life of an enhanced specific enteral formula with HMBD and vitamin D in elderly patients.

METHODS

we conducted an open-label study. General assessment of nutritional status included measurements of body weight, height, body mass index (kg/m2) and bioimpedance. Handgrrip strength was measured by dynamometry. QOL (quality of life) was assessed using the well validated SF 36 questonnaire. Albumin, prealbumin, transferrin and 25-OH vitamin D were measured. All these parameters were recorded at basal time and after 12 weeks of nutritional intervention.

RESULTS

patients were divided in two groups by the median percentage of weight improvement (3.4%); group 1 (percentage of weight improvement < 3.4%) and group 2 (percentage of weight improvement > 3.4%). In group 1, patients showed an improvement in prealbumin and vitamin D levels. In group 2, patients showed an improvement of BMI, weight, fat mass, fat free mass, prealbumin, vitamin D levels, role physical domain of SF 36 , general health domain of SF 36 and handgrip strength. The volumetric consumption rates of the formula were higher in group 2 than group 1 (group 1: 1.25 + 0.78 units/day [1.81 +/-0.9 g per day of HMBD) vs. group 2: 1.86 + 0.82 units/day (2.79 +/-1.1 g per day of HMBD]).

CONCLUSIONS

elderly patients with a previous weight loss and with a high consumption of a HMBD and vit D enhanced formula had a significant improvement in anthropometric, biochemical parameters, handgrip strength and quality of life.