Evaluation of adherence by elderly nursing home patients to regular consumption of apple compote enriched with protein and soluble fiber.

BACKGROUND: An increase in daily doses of protein and fiber for the elderly is relevant in preventing sarcopenia and preserving intestinal balance. However, such intake of supplements is often compromised by the lack of adherence among the elderly. OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to evaluate the perception of the hedonic qualities of compote enriched with NUTRALYS(®) pea protein, NUTRALYS(®)W hydrolyzed wheat gluten and NUTRIOSE(®) soluble fiber and the changes in that perception due to repeated consumption. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the evolution in the quantity of compote eaten, satisfaction with consumption and any changes in fatigue, digestive comfort and digestive tolerance when eating compote every other day for 3 weeks. METHOD: An observational study was conducted in nursing homes on volunteers aged 70-90 years. The compote was proposed as a lunchtime dessert every two days for a period of three consecutive weeks. All criteria were evaluated at days D0 and/or D1, D7, D15 and D21, except for the amount of compote eaten, evaluated after each meal at which it was served. RESULTS: When first tasted, the compote was judged 'rather pleasant' to 'very pleasant' by 91.6 % and this rating held up at 79.2 % (p = 0.1797) after 1 week, 83.3 % (p = 0.3173) after 2 weeks and 79.2 % (p = 0.2568) after 3 weeks. Average consumption of compote was stable and varied between a maximum of 79.5 % of the total quantity at inclusion to a minimum of 61.5 % recorded on D17. The other parameters did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Pea protein, hydrolyzed wheat gluten and soluble fiber seem to provide an appropriate form of protein and fiber supplementation in the diets of elderly people in nursing homes.

Impact of a resistant dextrin on intestinal ecology: how altering the digestive ecosystem with NUTRIOSE®, a soluble fibre with prebiotic properties, may be beneficial for health.

OBJECTIVES: The prebiotic potential of NUTRIOSE®--a sugar-free, digestion-resistant dextrin--was evaluated in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials that included 48 and 40 healthy volunteers, respectively. METHODS: In study 1, the effect on colonic bacteria of NUTRIOSE® 10, 15 or 20 g/day administered for 14 days was examined; in study 2, gut microbial changes in response to NUTRIOSE® 8 g/day for 14 days were monitored using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS: NUTRIOSE® increased proliferation of Bacteroides and inhibited Clostridum perfringens in both studies, increased ß-glucosidase activity (at 10 and 15 g/day) and decreased colonic pH (at 20 g/day). The increase in short-chain fatty acid production with NUTRIOSE® consumption was not statistically significant. There were no indications of gastrointestinal intolerance at any dose. CONCLUSIONS: According to commonly accepted definitions, NUTRIOSE® is a prebiotic soluble fibre that provides a beneficial effect on colonic ecology while preserving digestive comfort.