Assessing Body Composition and Dietary Intake of Nursing Home Residents (NHR): A Case for Concern

Abstract Objectives Elderly are at the highest risk for COVID-19 infections. The risk is heightened among NHR for several reasons, including unhealthy body composition and poor nutrition. Previously, we showed high prevalence of osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA; concomitant osteoporosis, sarcopenia and adiposity) in NRH. Objective of this study was to assess body composition and dietary intake of NHR in one Croatian nursing home. Methods Participants, n = 84 (81.2 ± 6.8 y), were 82.1% females. Body composition, assessed with bio-impedance, BIA-ACC (BioTekna®, Marcon, Italy), yielded fat, lean/muscle tissue and volumetric bone mineral density (BMD g/cm3). Dietary intake, estimated via 24-hour recall, was analyzed with “Nutrition” (Infosistem, d.d., Croatia). All NHR signed the informed consent. Results Both women and men were overweight with corresponding BMI of 29.6 ± 5.2 and 27.2 ± 3.2 kg/m2 (P = 0.027). Women, compared to men, had higher body fat (42.1 ± 5.9% vs. 36.6 ± 5.4%; ranking as obese), but lower skeletal muscle (11.3 ± 3.3 kg vs. 17.3 ± 3.1 kg). The respective BMD (1.006 ± 0.012 vs. 1.018 ± 0.012 g/cm3) was also low (all P ≤ 0.001) influencing high OSA prevalence (>50%). There was no difference in energy and macronutrient intake between women and men. Protein (0.71 and 0.68 g/kg for women and men) and fiber (∼16 g/day) were below recommendation. Fat intake was ∼35% of energy, with high saturated fatty acids (∼14%); cholesterol was within recommendations. Most of the minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron) were below, while sodium and phosphorus were above recommendations for both women and men. About 42% women were taking vitamin supplements which increased the average intake above recommendations except for vitamin A. Men were below recommendations for all vitamins. Conclusions High body fat and low muscle and bone mass leading to high prevalence of OSA, as well as poor dietary intake placed these NHR at higher risk for COVID-19. Their diet should be planned with higher nutrient-dense food, particularly protein and multiple minerals and vitamins, possibly through intake of fresh foods/vegetables and/or supplements. Personalized diets and exercise should be implemented to prevent further weight gain and improve muscle and bones, to render them less susceptible to COVID-19 infections. Funding Sources None