Compliance with an oral hyperproteic supplement with fibre in nursing home residents

Background: Undernutrition is a common problem in older individuals that may be related to a low protein dietary intake. Oral supplements may improve the health status in this population, but their use may be limited by compliance and side effects. Objectives To evaluate effects of an oral supplement of protein and fibre on compliance, on nutritional status, and on intestinal habits in nursing home residents. Method: A prospective observational study was carried out in 66 Spanish nursing homes. 358 subjects undernourished or at risk of undernutrition requiring nutritional supplements. After informed consent was given, subjects received 2 daily cartons (400 ml) of a liquid oral supplement rich in protein and fibre along 3 months. Supplement intake compliance was measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Changes in intestinal habits and digestive symptoms were also recorded, as well as subject’s supplement acceptance. Results: Compliance with the supplement intake was 97.46% at 6 weeks and 96% at 12 weeks of follow-up. Significant changes (p