IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION OF A NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION PROTOCOL FOR OLDER ADULTS IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Background: Changes that occur in the aging process may impact the nutritional status of older adults. This study aimed to design and implement a supplementation protocol for older adults in a private hospital in southern Minas Gerais, using a non-controlled clinical intervention trial with convenience samples and approved by the Ethics Committee on Human Research of UNIFAL-MG. Methods: Fifty-one patients participated in the study, divided into two groups: supplemented (38 participants - 18 women and 20 men, + 80 years (SD=7.57)) and non-supplemented (13 participants - 11 women and 02 men, + 73 years (SD=8.13)). They were screened using the NRS 2002 and classified by GLIM. Anthropometric, dietary, hand grip strength and biochemical tests were monitored on admission and discharge. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the serum creatinine and dietary zinc variables in the supplemented group, with the dietary supplement displaying positive impacts on these markers. Conclusion: It is concluded that the supplementation increased the average protein and calorie intake of the participants in the supplemented group.