The Effects of Texture Modified Diets on Dietary Intake and Appetite Responses in Older Adults

• To investigate whether there are any differences in appetite responses following a texture modified meal compared to a standard meal.
• To investigate whether protein-enriched versions of a texture modified meal and/or standard meal affects satiety and subsequent intake in healthy older adults.
• To investigate the effects of a texture modified diet, standard diet and their protein-enriched versions on gastric emptying in healthy older adults.

Inclusion criteria

• aged 65 years or over (no upper age limit);
• be within body mass index range (18.5-34.9kg/m2 );
• regularly consume 3 meals a day (breakfast by 11am, lunch and dinner);
• be able to accept test meals provided;
• be able to feed themselves;
• be able to give informed consent; i.e not lacking mental capacity;
• Have access to a kitchen, freezer and fridge.
• Have access to a telephone.
• understand English.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had it in the last 4 weeks.
• have any existing neurological or gastrointestinal condition;
• have Cancer;
• have no current chewing or swallowing difficulties (such as dysphagia);
• have no existing cognitive or psychiatric disorder;
• taking medications that can significantly affect taste changes, appetite or gastric emptying;
• be on a special or therapeutic diet;
• have any food allergies or intolerances that will be worsened with meals provided in the study;
• have a history of drug or alcohol misuse;
• smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day.