Boosting Weight & Health in Seniors: Nutritional Supplement Guide

Older adults may benefit from nutritional supplements when they have difficulty obtaining enough calories from daily diet. Health problems, socioeconomic status, loneliness, and diet restrictions can factor into elderly weight loss and malnutrition.

Significance

• Certain disease states and conditions may warrant nutritional supplements, including: poor wound healing, pressure ulcers, pre- or post-surgery, dementia, cardiac disorders, and frailty. Unintentional weight loss can cause disease complications, poor immunity and lead to depression and possibly death.

Types

• Many varieties of supplements exist on the market. Some promote high-calorie, high-protein content for weight gain, while others market specifically to people with diabetes, bone health issues, or cancer.

Benefits

• Liquid nutritional supplements lead to improved health, weight gain, improved functional status and medical cost savings.

Considerations

• In some instances, nutrient dense foods such as ice cream, milkshakes and puddings or frequent small meals of favorite foods work just as effectively as expensive nutritional supplements. Social interaction and physical activity can also improve appetite. Physical activity in conjunction with supplements may result in increased total caloric intake.

Warning

• Care providers of older adults should carefully monitor involuntary weight loss and see a medical professional for assessment and treatment.