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By Alice Johnson, Registered Dietitian
This case study showcases one of our newest products, AYMES ActaGain 600, and highlights some of the clinical outcomes experienced by Jean*, an 82-year old woman with a complex medical history, following a switch to ActaGain 600
Background
Jean was recruited to a 33-day acceptability study of AYMES’ product, ActaGain 600. Jean is an 82-year-old lady, living in a care home with a past medical history of Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, knee replacement, partial thyroidectomy, osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes.
When Jean was recruited into our acceptability study, she weighed 47.5kg, giving her a sub-optimal body mass index of 18.1kg/m2. She was at high risk of malnutrition, with a malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) score of two.
Management
To start with, Jean was prescribed a leading competitor Oral Nutrition Supplement (ONS) product twice a day, providing her with 600kcals and 24g protein. However, Jean’s compliance was poor and she only managed 67% of her supplements each day. Additionally, she reported a couple of epsiodes of abdominal pain while taking this supplement.
As part of the study, Jean was switched to ActaGain 600 once daily, split into four doses throughout the day. Following this switch, her ONS compliance increased to 97%; she tolerated ActaGain 600 well and reported that compared to the previous supplement, ActaGain 600 had a ‘much better taste’. Jean rated ActaGain 600’s appearance, acceptability, convenience to consume, taste and consistency as a four out of five after only one week and again at the end of the 33-day study.
Outcomes
Jean’s improved ONS compliance led to her being able to meet her nutritional requirements and as a result, her weight increased from 47.5kg to 48.1kg. Although her MUST score remained at two, Jean’s body mass index increased to 18.3kg/m2. Following the switch to ActaGain 600, she didn’t experience any gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
Discussion
Jean’s story highlights the important role that ONS can play in those who are at high risk of malnutrition. As shown in this case study, ONS compliance is key to meeting nutritional requirements and ultimately achieving weight gain. In this case, ActaGain 600 split into four doses throughout the day provided a convenient, acceptable and tasty supplement for Jean.
* Patient’s name has been changed to ensure anonymity
