Comparisons of Characteristics and Nutritional Inadequacies in Indonesian Older Adults Consuming or Refraining from Dairy Products.

BACKGROUND: Milk consumption in the Indonesian elderly population is among the lowest in the world, and two-thirds of the population are lactose intolerant. This might have an impact on energy and nutrient intakes. However, data on the prevalence of nutrient intake inadequacies in dairy users versus non-dairy users, as well as population characteristics, are lacking. Therefore we obtained data comparing nutritional inadequacies and characteristics of Indonesian older adults consuming or refraining from dairy products. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 as a part of the INA LACTASE study, involving 194 community-dwelling older adults in the outpatient geriatric clinic at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. We collected data on demographic and clinical characteristics as part of a routinely performed comprehensive geriatric assessment. A structured questionnaire was developed to categorize participants as dairy-or non-dairy users based on habitual dairy intake. Food records were collected to assess nutrient intakes. The prevalence of inadequacies of energy, macronutrients, and a selection of micronutrients (calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12) was calculated by comparing the reported mean intakes to the recommended dietary intakes of the Indonesian population (Indonesian RDA). Prevalence ratios were calculated to measure the association between dairy product consumption and the prevalence of nutrient inadequacies. RESULTS: We recruited 194 eligible participants. This study found that dairy users had a higher proportion of women, a higher monthly income, but a lower proportion of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidaemia in older adults consuming dairy products. We observed wide variability in energy and nutrient intakes, as well as a high prevalence of inadequacies for all dietary intake parameters, particularly micronutrients. Dairy users had a lower prevalence of micronutrient inadequacies than non-dairy users. The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacies in dairy users versus non-dairy users was 91.6% vs. 99.3% in men and 71.9% vs. 98.0% in women, respectively. Inadequate vitamin B12 intake was found in 60.6% of dairy users vs. 89.4% of non-dairy users in men and 65.5% vs.. 68.4% of women, respectively. The most pronounced difference was found in the prevalence of calcium intake inadequacies in dairy users vs. non-dairy users, which was 64.8% vs. 99.5% in men and 89.9% vs. 99.8% in women. We found statistically significant differences in the prevalence of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B inadequacies between dairy and non-dairy users. CONCLUSION: This study identified that dairy users had a higher monthly income and had a lower proportion of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. In addition, we discovered a high prevalence of nutrient intakes inadequacies in Indonesian older adults, particularly among non-dairy users. Micronutrient inadequacies are major sources of concern, with statistically significant difference in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 prevalence of inadequacies.

Prevalence of lactose intolerance and nutrients intake in an older population regarded as lactase non-persistent.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Energy and nutrient intakes of community-dwelling older adults in Indonesia are inadequate whereby milk consumption is among the lowest in the world. Lactose intolerance is probably one of the reasons for such low milk consumption, but information on the burden of this problem and its consequences for dietary intake is lacking. We obtained data on the prevalence of lactose intolerance and dietary intakes in Indonesian older outpatients, thereby comparing dairy users and non-dairy users. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 involving 103 community-dwelling older adults in the outpatient geriatric clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. A structured questionnaire was used to categorize participants as dairy- or non-dairy users. Food records were collected to assess nutrients intake from the diet. The prevalence of lactose intolerance (LI) was estimated based on the results of the hydrogen breath test (HBT) and on symptoms of lactose malabsorption. The difference in LI prevalence between dairy- and non-dairy user group was presented as a prevalence ratio (with 95% confidence interval). Chi-square tests, t-test, and Mann-Whitney tests were used to evaluate differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as in nutrient intake profiles between dairy and non-dairy users. RESULTS: The prevalence of lactose intolerance amounted to 66% (57-75%), 54% (37-70%), and 73% (61-84%) in the total population, dairy- and non-dairy users, respectively. Lactose intolerance tended to be higher among non-dairy users (PR 1.36 95% CI 0.99-1.89). On the other hand, we found no pronounced differences in symptoms of lactose intolerance between dairy and non-dairy users. The overall mean protein, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 intakes of the older adults were low. Intakes of protein, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 were higher among dairy than among non-dairy users. CONCLUSIONS: This study uncovered the large size of the lactose intolerance problem in Indonesian older adults. Especially in non-dairy users, the intakes of proteins and some micronutrients are a concern. Strategies to tackle lactose intolerance are most relevant as to open the door for more nutrient-dense foods in the diet of Indonesian older adults.

Management of immobilization and its complication for elderly.

Increased life expectancy have an effect on the rising percentage of elderly population in Indonesia and health problem associated with the elderly, particularly immobilization. Immobilization may cause various complications, especially when it has been overlooked without any appropriate and proper medical care in keeping with the procedures. High incidence of immobilization in elderly and the life-threatening complication call for an agreement on management of immobilization and its complication. Management of immobilization needs interdisciplinary team-work cooperation, the patients and their family. The management may be commenced through a complete geriatric review, formulating functional goals and constructing therapeutic plan. Various medical conditions and external factors that may act as risk factors of immobilization as well as drugs intake that may exaggerate the immobilization should be evaluated and optimally managed. Any complication due to immobilization and other concomitant disease/condition should be recognized and managed comprehensively in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Management of immobilization and its complications include pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, i.e. various mobility exercises, utilization of ambulatory device and supporting appliance for assisting patients in stand-up position, as well as the management of urinary voiding and defecation.