“My elderly mother isn’t eating and she has lost a lot of weight. Should I give her a nutrition supplement drink to replace the meals she should be eating?”
Under-nutrition due to lack of eating is a common problem among elderly people. It is also dangerous. Under-nutrition and extreme thinness can lead to higher mortality rates, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It is a problem that can’t be ignored.
Geriatricians (specialists in treating the elderly) take weight loss among the elderly very seriously and caregivers should too. However, some caregivers feel that feeding their parent a nutrition supplement drink, such as Boost, in lieu of meals ensures the elderly loved one is getting the nutrition they need.
This isn’t the case, according to Dr. Amy Ehrlich, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Interim Division Head of Montefiore Medical Center’s Geriatrics Division.
“Just giving them a can of Ensure for dinner isn’t enough,” she says. “It is always better to try to use regular food to maintain a person’s weight.” If a caregiver wants to use nutrition drinks, they should be used between meals, as a snack or supplement to add calories to the senior’s diet – not as a meal replacement.
Work with a doctor to determine elder’s nutrition needs
Weight loss is a marker of frailty. However, it is not a normal part of aging. Dr. Ehrlich stresses that it is critical to find out what is causing the senior’s loss of interest in food. A doctor should conduct a detailed medical evaluation to determine the cause of loss in appetite and weight loss.
“There are a variety of treatable conditions that could be the culprit: ulcers, thyroid disease, dementia, depression, even ill-fitting dentures. All are treatable, so rather than immediately turning to a supplement, work with your doctor to address the cause of the problem,” Dr Ehrlich says.
If a caregiver does decide a nutrition drink is right for their elderly loved one, a doctor should still be consulted to determine the type of supplement to use. For example, diabetics must choose a low-sugar product.
Continue reading: Giving Seniors Nutritional Drinks: Not a Good Idea
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