Malnutrition among geriatric adults is pervasive in long-term care facilities and hospitals across America. Up to 65 percent of residents in extended care facilities experience malnutrition and unintended weight loss. Data suggest that disease-related malnutrition doubles the risk of mortality in hospital patients and triples mortality in patients aged 65 years and above in the hospital and post discharge. Involuntary weight loss in institutionalized elderly is dificult to treat and reverse, posing significant challenges for caregivers.
In 2015, Thrive Ice Cream commissioned a study with Lisa Trone, RDN, LD/N, of Nutritious Lifestyles, Inc., to evaluate the effects of Thrive on preventing involuntary weight loss in high-risk geriatric patients age 75 or more. Twelve individuals at high risk of weight loss were chosen to participate and randomly divided into three groups:
Control Group: No supplements
Experimental Group 1: Thrive Ice Cream given twice a day between meals.
Experimental Group 2: Medpass 2.0- 120cc or Magic Cup given twice a day between meals.
Participants already receiving fortified foods or larger portion sizes continued on that diet plan. Experimental Groups 1 and 2 had Thrive or Medpass/Magic Cup added to their diets. Participants were weighed weekly for 12 weeks.
Products Included in the Study
Thrive Ice Cream is a medical nutritional food that in one six-ounce portion contains 250 calories, nine grams protein, three grams fiber, four probiotics (L. acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, S. thermophiles, and L. bulgaricus). Thrive is gluten free and is suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. It is a low volume product that melts to a honey thick or nectar thick consistency, making it suitable for patients with swallowing disorders. The protein source is milk protein isolate, which is better for digestion. Maltodextrin is used as the fiber source.
Medpass 2.0 and Magic Cup. Medpass 2.0 is a supplement that in one four-ounce serving contains 240 calories, 10 grams of protein, .5 grams of fiber. This product is gluten free, suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, and is a nectar thick consistency. The protein source is milk protein isolate and soy protein isolate, and Maltodextrin is used as the fiber source. Magic Cup is a supplement that in one four-ounce serving contains 290 kcal, nine grams protein, and no fiber. While gluten free, Magic Cup is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. This is low volume product and is a honey thick consistency.
Results
Participants on Thrive Ice Cream gained an average of nearly 6 pounds over 12 weeks, with one individual gaining 14 pounds. Those on Medpass 2.0/Magic Cup averaged a weight gain of just 1.28 pounds over the same period.
To learn more about Thrive or to order online, visit our website.