Nutritional evaluation and supplementation of elderly subjects participating in a "meals on wheels" program

The nutritional assessment of 33 healthy elderly individuals participating in the "meals on wheels" program of noting a need for substantial increases in the daily intake of total calories and protein in some subjects. Twelve selected participants were provided polymeric dietary supplements. Improved nutritional status was observed and supplementation caused significant increase in total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Also, the immune and hematopoietic functions did not improve with nutritional supplementation. Implications from the nutrient level is that specific nutrient bioavailability may not be uniform