As individuals age the body slowly begins to work less effectively. Nutrients are absorbed to a lesser degree, the immune system slows down, and illnesses like the flu become just reasons for hospitalization.
And it seems like the elderly who live in nursing homes or assisted living homes experience a more rapid decline in normal function and homeostatis compared to those living on their own or with extended family.
Nursing homes are often the site of flu epidemic because of the close living quarters and shared care providers that can spread around infection. Many parties are searching for ways to limit the spread of infection in nursing homes as well as ways to improve the health of our loved ones during their stay.
A recent study of 92 men and women over the age of 65 found that added nutrients, including beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, triglycerides, and fructo-oligosaccharides help improve the health and well being of elderly men and women living in nursing homes compared to a standard nutritional beverage. The study was completed in just 10 weeks.
The study was published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society. It found that those extra nutrients listed above decreased the necessity of antibiotics and occurance of fever significantly compared to a standard nutritional drink with RDA of vitamins and minerals.
Fever incidence was only 5 percent in the extra nutrients group compared to 16 percent in the standard nutrients group.
Each person was also given the flu vaccine during the study period and levels of immunity were measured after administration to determine strength of the immune response. Antibody levels were higher in those in the extra nutrients group compared to standard nutrients group, with an adequate response acheived in 43 percent compared to 23 percent in the groups respectively.
The authors concluded that nutrition has a strong role in the well being of elderly persons in a nursing home, and seems to directly affect the ability of the immune system to function properly.
Healthcare providers and family members should be sure that elderly persons in their care are receiving adequate levels of nutrients. Poor absorption, which is common in the elderly, may be reason enough to supplement with higher amounts of vitamins and minerals as well as be reason enough to provide extra nutrients.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on December 27, 2006 04:46 PM
