Artisanal oral hypercaloric and hyperprotein supplement for low weight elderly people: bromatological and financial cost analysis

Introduction: Anorexia of aging causes elderly individuals to chronically reduce their food intake and present significant nutritional deficiencies in proteins and calories. Objective: To develop a high-calorie and high-protein homemade oral supplement (HOS) for underweight elderly individuals and to evaluate its nutritional composition and financial cost. Methods: This is an experimental study with bromatological analysis. The following ingredients were used to prepare the HOS: powdered milk (60 g), powdered albumin (20 g), peanut butter (50 g), rolled oats (15 g), 50% cocoa chocolate powder (25 g), and filtered water (200 ml). Macronutrient analyses were performed by the Adolfo Lutz Institute. For comparative analysis of the nutritional composition regarding carbohydrates (g), proteins (g), lipids (g), caloric density (kcal/ml), and the financial cost of the homemade supplement made with industrialized supplements. Results: HOS had a high caloric density of 3.7 kcal/mL and a high amount of proteins, with the following percentage distribution of macronutrients: 24.14% proteins, 64.78% carbohydrates and 11.03% lipids. HOS had approximately three times more calories (370 kcal X 116 kcal) and approximately twice as much protein (22g X 9g) compared to industrialized products. Regarding the financial cost, HOS was 42% more affordable compared to industrialized supplements (R$ 3.05 X R$ 5.32). Conclusion: HOS had a high amount of proteins, high caloric density and low production cost, and can be used as an alternative to industrialized supplements, especially by elderly people with low weight and less favored socioeconomic status.