Effects of dietary supplementation of elderly demented hospital residents

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a dietary supplement (Fortisip, Cow & Gate Ltd) on the body weight, triceps skinfold thickness and mid‐arm muscle circumference of low weight, elderly, demented hospital residents. The height and weight of all residents ( n = 293) of the Care of the Elderly wards of a large psychiatric hospital were measured, and body mass index (BMI) calculated for each individual. Forty‐six underweight residents (BMI 15.1–19.9) were matched by age, sex and BMI and randomly allocated to receive the supplement or an acaloric vitamin placebo. There were significant increases in mean weight ( P < 0.001), mid‐upper‐arm muscle circumference (P<0.05) and triceps skinfold thickness ( P< 0.001) in the supplemented group ( n = 23). None of these measures of nutritional status changed significantly in the placebo group ( n = 23). A high proportion of elderly demented hospital residents are underweight. The addition of a dietary supplement produced a highly significant increase in mean body weight as a result of increases in both body fat and muscle protein.