MINERAL DEFICIENCY IN THE ELDERLY (MINDEF) FINAL VERSION 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
TO DETERMINE THE PREVALENCE OF MINERAL DEFICIENCY IN OLDER ADULTS- CARE HOME STUDY
IRAS ID
335876
Contact name
Simon Welham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
The world population has an ageing trend, and this trend is much faster than before. This ageing trend is seen in the United Kingdom. Most older people prefer living independently, which called as community dwellers, but their dependency and vulnerability tend to increase, and they may need more support and care, leading to institutionalisation. Insufficient nutrition is a barrier to healthy ageing. The importance of nutrition is undeniable in ensuring people are able to maintain an active life and age in a healthy way. However, older adults living in the community and institutions are at risk of a decrease in food intake and the occurrence of malnutrition. Mineral deficiencies, also called “hidden hunger”, are part of the malnutrition spectrum commonly resulting from inadequate nutritional status. When it is considered the impact of adequate nutritional intakes on providing independence and preventing adverse health outcomes and risk of institutionalisation and further deterioration of existing poor health picture in institutionalised older adults, and considering minerals constitute an essential part of nutrients due to their vital functions (muscle and nerve function, protective effect on cardiovascular disease, bone and dental health, immune and cognitive function, antioxidant activity, thyroid hormone metabolism etc.) in the human body, the determination of mineral inadequacies are vital in this group. In this study, a cross-sectional study including a quantitative study design will be conducted. First, the food intake of institutionalised older adults will be recorded for four consecutive days to determine the dietary intake of minerals. Afterwards, mineral concentration in the saliva sample and the extracted amount in the urine will be measured to understand whether mineral deficiencies are current health issues in older adults living in institutions.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
24/IEC08/0005
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion