Study Links Nutrition Supplement to Lower Mortality in Older Patients
A new study shows that a specialized oral nutrition supplement for malnourished older patients recovering from hospitalization was associated with a 50 percent lower death rate 90 days post-discharge.
A study supported by Abbott Laboratories has revealed significant benefits of a specialized oral nutrition supplement (ONS) for malnourished elderly patients recovering from heart or lung disease. The findings, published in Clinical Nutrition, highlight nutrition's critical role in patient outcomes.
The NOURISH study followed 652 malnourished adults, aged 65 and older, hospitalized with heart or lung conditions. Participants who consumed the ONS twice daily experienced a 50 percent reduction in mortality rates within 90 days of leaving the hospital, compared to a placebo group.
Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among the elderly, particularly during hospital stays, often leading to prolonged recovery times and increased complication risks. The supplement used in the study was formulated with high protein, HMB (a muscle-preserving ingredient), and Vitamin D.
While the study did not show a significant difference in the primary composite endpoint of hospital readmissions or death, further analysis indicated a clear reduction in mortality. Researchers emphasized the importance of incorporating nutritional support as a standard aspect of care for elderly patients at risk of or suffering from malnutrition.