Nutrition Education Improves Intakes of Protein, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and Vitamins C and E in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of nutrition education program on protein and nutrient intake, physical performance, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years). The participants were randomized in clusters to intervention (IG, n = 51) and control (CG, n = 45) groups. Those in IG took part in the Eating for Strong Aging education program consisting of nutrition education in peer groups, written materials, and personal advice. Nutrient intake was assessed with 3-day food diaries, physical performance with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and HRQoL with 15-D-QoL instrument. Total of 89 participants completed the study. The mean age was 76 years (IG) and 74 years (CG). At three months, the mean change in protein intake was 0.10 g/adjusted bodyweight (ABW) kg/d in the IG, and −0.07 g/ABW kg/d in the CG (p = 0.024). Intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins C and E increased in the IG compared to the CG (p < 0.05). Changes in SPPB or total HRQoL scores between the IG and the CG did not differ. HRQoL dimension mobility improved in the IG compared to the CG (p = 0.035). In conclusion, the Eating for Strong Aging educational program improved nutrition and may be beneficial for mobility-related QoL.

Keywords:

• Community
• education
• nutrition
• older adults
• protein

Acknowledgement

The Eating for Strong Aging program is operated by the Society for Gerontological Nutrition in Finland and funded by The Funding Center for Social Welfare and Health Organizations (STEA) in the years 2017–2021. The study was funded by the Foundation for Nutrition Research. The sponsors did not have any role in the study design, analysis, or interpretation of data, nor in drafting the report or the decision to submit this paper.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Ethical considerations and trial registration

The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Department of Medicine at Helsinki University Hospital (HUS/3536/2017). The study was registered on Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial Id: ACTRN12618000420246.