Background and rationale
micronutrient deficiencies, weight gain, muscle mass, malnutrition
PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION, MALNOURISHED, SECONDARY, CAVITY, MALNUTRITION
Over the last three decades, the proportion of older adults aged 65 years and above globally increased by nearly 3% [Physiological changes in the digestive system, oral cavity, lean mass, and basal metabolic rate occur in people as they age [Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is the most common form of malnutrition in older adults followed by micronutrient deficiencies [Nutritional intervention for the elderly includes dietary counseling, technical or human assistance at mealtime, food fortification, texture adaptation, and prescriptions of energy- and protein-dense oral nutritional supplements (ONS) [In this context, we designed an intervention study to evaluate the impact of ONS on healthy body weight gain (increase in muscle mass and fat mass), along with secondary outcomes in institutionalized older adults in Sri Lanka. In addition to weight gain, this study will assess the impact of an ONS on nutritional, functional, clinical, and cognitive outcomes and provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of using ONS as a nutrition intervention for malnourished older adults.