Body composition of adult cystic fibrosis patients and control subjects as determined by densitometry, bioelectrical impedance, total-body electrical conductivity, skinfold measurements, and deuterium oxide dilution
Article Abstract:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic genetic disease affecting various glands in the body; patients have abnormal pancreatic function and recurrent respiratory infections. Many CF patients have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs. Because of their pancreatic insufficiency, they do not absorb nutrients efficiently, and their respiratory problems raise their energy needs by as much as 30 percent. Yet the manifestations of CF and their severity vary among individual CF patients; in order to accurately assess each patient's nutritional risk it is advisable to analyze body composition. Body composition analysis yields estimates of total body fat and total lean body mass, which includes muscle, bones, and other tissues. Malnourished patients may have reductions in lean tissue, body fat, or both. This study was conducted to compare six methods of body composition analysis in eight CF patients and eight control subjects. Some techniques for measuring body composition may be inaccurate with CF patients because of physiological differences between them and normal persons. It was found that one method, densitometry by underwater weighing, was not valid for CF patients, as its results conflicted with those obtained with the other five methods. Based on these five techniques, it was concluded that CF patients have lower amounts of both lean and fat tissue than normal controls. The advantages and disadvantages of the various analysis methods are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1990
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Social, psychological and physical factors affecting the nutritional status of elderly subjects: separating cause and effect
Article Abstract:
Many aspects of life in old age have an adverse effect on nutrition. The negative influences include chronic and acute health problems, social isolation, depression, mental confusion, medication side effects, financial limitations, and the effects of living in an institution. While the physiological processes of aging itself may have little impact on nutrition, these medical and lifestyle issues, which affect many elderly people, put this group at high risk for poor nutrition. Three specific factors are discussed: cognitive (mental) function, alcohol intake, and institutionalization. Nutrient deficiencies may cause cognitive deterioration in the elderly. Conversely, mental confusion and memory lapses may lead to missed meals and food choices that are low in nutrients. Moderate alcohol intake does not appear harmful to nutritional status of healthy elderly persons living in the community according to one study. Individuals who drink but do not have a drinking problem should not be told to give up alcohol simply because of their advanced age. Older persons living in nursing homes are at great risk for deficiencies of water soluble vitamins. The reason for this is not known, and low intake may be only a minor contributor to the problem. Although performing research studies in nursing homes can be difficult, the challenge should be taken because patients could benefit greatly if malnutrition in residential facilities was better understood.
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1989
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