Impact of an Intervention Combining Fortified Meals and Physical Activity in the Prevention of Undernutrition in Seniors

In the context of an aging population, preventing undernutrition and its associated risks in the elderly is a major challenge for the coming decade. Undernutrition, a recognized pathology of the elderly, has many negative impacts on the health and well-being of a person. It increases the risk of falls, fractures, pathological episodes and hospitalizations. It induces or aggravates a state of frailty and dependence, ultimately affecting the quality of life and life expectancy of the elderly.

A decline in appetite and insufficient food intake are key factors in the risk of undernutrition. Contrary to popular belief, energy and protein requirements do not decrease with age and are sometimes higher for the elderly than for younger people. However, several studies have shown that caloric and protein intakes are lower than recommended for the elderly. This decrease in appetite is also accompanied by a decrease in micronutrient intake. Inadequate micronutrient intakes are associated with the onset or more rapid progression of age-related diseases. For example, inadequate intakes of lipophilic micronutrients (carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) are associated with a more rapid onset or worsening of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In order to prevent undernutrition, a major challenge is to allow elderly people with a poor appetite to cover their nutritional needs. Meal fortification, which consists of adding ingredients with high nutritional value to foods and beverages commonly consumed by the elderly, is a promising strategy. It allows for better adaptation to the preferences of the elderly, who are often reluctant to change their consumption habits. However, meal fortification remains largely unknown and underutilized. In parallel, several studies have shown that a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by a high intake of these micronutrients, is associated with a 40% reduction in the risk of progression to AMD.

Finally, there is a strong link between physical activity and nutrition to prevent muscle wasting in the elderly. Indeed, the results show that an intervention combining protein supplementation and physical exercise has a greater effect on muscle protein synthesis than protein supplementation alone. However, advancing age is frequently accompanied by a decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary lifestyle.