Abstract Body

Introduction: Frailty is a medical syndrome with multiple causes and that is characterized by diminished strength, endurance and reduced physiologic function, that increases an individual’s vulnerability for developing increased dependency and/or death. It is very important to be able to correctly identify frailty because it might be reversible or attenuated by specific interventions, such as protein-energy supplementation. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent evidence on the benefits of protein supplementation in frail elderly people.

Methods: We searched two electronic databases: PubMed and Web of Science. We included studies carried out on frailty people aged 65 or above. We included 7 randomized controlled trials and 1 observational study. Eligible studies were those which assessed association between nutritional and/or functional status and effects of nutritional supplementation.

Results: Recent studies have shown that clinical outcomes (nutritional and functional status) for frail elderly people can be improved using dietary protein supplementation, but no interventions have been developed to specifically reverse the syndrome of frailty.

Conclusion: Despite variables outcomes, protein supplementation should be considered as an important option for frail elderly people, but it´s necessary focus on the amount and on timing of the protein supplementation intake as well distribution over the main meals or between meals, safety of protein supplements, its satiety effects and its commercial availability. If the intervention with protein supplements proves to be safe and effective, it can be implemented easily in primary and community care, to help prevention in frail elderly people.