Nutritional intake and malnutrition in institutionalised and non-institutionalised older adults

Malnutrition (synonym: undernutrition) is prevalent among older adults, which may be partly related to changes in dietary intake, but evidence on the link between malnutrition and diet is scarce. The aims of this study were to estimate the association between energy/nutrients intake and malnutrition, and to characterise nutritional inadequacy in institutionalised and non-institutionalised older adults. A national survey was conducted including a Portuguese representative sample of nursing home (NH) residents (n 563) and community-dwellers (n 837) aged >= 65 years. Data included socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported health, loneliness feelings, nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment(R)) and dietary intake (two non-consecutive 24-h recalls). A higher energy intake was associated with lower odds of malnutrition risk (being 'at risk of malnutrition' or 'malnourished') in both settings, but only significant among NH residents after adjusting for confounders (NH: OR = 0 center dot 66, 95 % CI 0 center dot 50, 0 center dot 86; community: OR = 0 center dot 64, 95 % CI 0 center dot 37, 1 center dot 10). The intake of carbohydrates, fat, fibre, vitamin C, Na, K and Mg was inversely associated with malnutrition risk in NH residents, and protein, fat, vitamin B-6, folates, Na, K, Ca and Mg intake in community-dwellers. After additional adjustment for total energy, only Na and Mg intake of community-dwellers remained significantly associated. The prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake was generally higher for the malnutrition risk group, which was particularly evident among community-dwellers. The effect of dietary intake on nutritional status seems more dependent on total energy and carbohydrates intake in institutionalised elders, whereas among community-dwellers protein and some micronutrients appear to have a greater impact.

Automated summary

The study found that high energy intake was associated with a lower risk of malnutrition in institutionalised and non-institutionalised older adults. In NH residents, the intake of carbohydrates, fat, fibre, vitamin C, Na, K, and Mg was inversely associated with malnutrition risk, while in community-dwellers, protein, fat, vitamin B-6, folates, Na, K, Ca, and Mg intake were inversely associated.