Abstract

GRAU, T. et al. Evaluation of palatability of two special oral diets for institutionalized elderly diabetics, Glucerna SR^® vs Resource Diabet^®. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2004, vol.19, n.5, pp.292-299. ISSN 1699-5198.

Objectives: To evaluate the organoleptic characteristcs of two specific nutritional supplements for diabetes (Glucerna SR^® and Resource Suport^®) and compare them. Setting: An evaluation was made of 456 patients with Type 2 diabetes (most of them receiving OADs or insulin) from 34 centers. They were non-smoking elderly patients (mean age 73 to (71-78) admitted to nursing homes or homes for the aged distributed all over the Spanish territory. Interventions: Palatability was studied using a modified wine tasting scale assessing 6 parameters (appearance, smell, body, sweetness, aftertaste and taste) that were scored individually, with a total score ranging from 0 (most unfavorable) to 20 (most favorable). Each brand was evaluated in two flavors (vanilla and strawberry) according to a crossover, double-blind design. Results: A total of 906 evaluable observations were made, and highly statistically significant differences favorable to Glucerna RS^® were found in all parameters considered both absolutely and relatively, exception for sweetness, for which statistical significance was not reached because it was relatively evaluated. No statistical differences were found between the two flavors (vanilla and strawberry). The only significant confusing factor found was age; the older the age, the more the differences were noted between the two brands. Conclusions: Glucerna SR^® has a better flavor than Resource Suport^® for institutionalized elderly diabetic patients.

Keywords : Flavor; type 2 diabetes mellitus; nutritional supplements; elderly.

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