Background: Food intake varies among long-term care (LTC) residents and, as a result, some residents are at risk for protein-energy malnutrition and its consequences, such as sarcopenia. The present study aimed to determine whether eating occasions, as well as other factors that may vary with eating occasions (e.g. family/volunteer presence), were associated with energy and protein intake at meals and snacks.
Methods: The present study comprised a secondary analysis of the cross-sectional Making the Most of Mealtimes study, including 630 residents (median age 88.00 years, range 62-107 years; 197 males) from 32 Canadian LTC homes. An analysis of variance compared protein and energy intake at meals and snacks. Mixed repeated measures linear regression testing for meal and relevant covariates (e.g. family/volunteer presence) was also conducted.
Results: Energy and protein intake was significantly associated with eating occasions (F = 44.31, P < 0.001; F = 12.72, P < 0.001), with the greatest energy intake at breakfast, and the greatest protein intake at dinner. Regression analysis confirmed these findings when considering other factors. Covariates associated with higher intake included: being male (+79 kcal; +3.4 g protein), living on a dementia care unit (+39 kcal; +2.1 g protein) and family/volunteer presence at meals (+58 kcal; +2.5 g protein). Intake was lowest in the oldest age group (-59 kcal; -3.6 g protein) and for those sometimes requiring eating assistance (-36 kcal; -2.0 g protein).
Conclusions: Energy and protein intake appears to be associated with eating occasions. Based on these exploratory findings, LTC homes may consider providing more protein-dense foods at breakfast. Protein and energy dense snacks could also be used more extensively to support intake.
Keywords: energy intake; long-term care; malnutrition; older adults; protein intake.
© 2019 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.