Nutrition Intervention for Undernourished Older Adults amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Older adults are vulnerable to disease exposure because of the agerelated decrease in immune capacity. Older adults with macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies may have poor nutritional status and low immune responses, making them prone to COVID-19 infection. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of orange almond potato cookie supplementation on weight, hemoglobin, and albumin levels in undernourished older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was utilized in a cohort of 31 older adults. The subjects consumed 50 grams of cookies per day for 4 weeks. The examination was performed to assess the hemoglobin and albumin levels at pre- and post-study timepoints. Education about balanced nutrition and anemia was provided throughout the study using leaflets, flipcharts, and videos. The subjects were weighed weekly to assess compliance; cookies were distributed, and a daily food consumption record was collected three times a week during home visits. Results: Weight, hemoglobin, and albumin levels increased by 0.4 kg, 0.1 points, and 1 point, respectively. The difference was significant for weight, albeit nonsignificant for hemoglobin and albumin levels. At the end of the study, participants’ knowledge regarding balanced nutrition and anemia was statistically significantly different, as well as that of energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin C, and iron intake. Weight gain was found to be influenced by the total cookie consumption (p < 0.035). Conclusion: Orange almond potato cookies increased the undernourished older adults’ weight when consumed for 4 weeks.