Nutritional status of long-stay geriatric in-patients: effects of a food supplement (Complan).

In a detailed nutritional study of 50 long-stay elderly patients, intakes of vitamins C and D and nicotinic acid were found to be sub-optimal compared to D.H.S.S. recommendations. Whole-food supplementation did not increase calorie, fat or carbohydrate intake, although it did increase protein, vitamins and minerals. However, it did not correct the intake of vitamins C and D and of nicotinic acid to those recommended by D.H.S.S. Supplementation affected neither serum albumin nor transferrin. No positive correlation could be established between physical disabilities and total dietary intake among these patients. However, the appearance of the skin improved and skin thickness increased in the supplemented patients and the blood urea diminished in them also.