Mixed
Administering a specialized high-protein oral nutritional supplement containing beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HP-HMB) to malnourished, older adults (≥65 years) hospitalized for acute medical conditions significantly reduces 90-day post-discharge mortality compared to placebo.
For older adults (65+) who are malnourished and hospitalized for heart or lung conditions, starting a high-protein supplement with HMB immediately upon admission and continuing it for 3 months after discharge can significantly lower the risk of death. This intervention is most effective when started early (within 72 hours) and continued post-discharge.
However, the 90-day mortality rate was significantly lower with HP-HMB relative to placebo, 4.8% and 9.7% (p = 0.018), respectively... Initiation of HP-HMB during hospitalization and continuation postdischarge resulted in a significantly lower mortality rate.
Why this rating
Large multicenter randomized controlled trial (n=652) with double-blind design, though limited by specific exclusion criteria (no diabetes/cancer).
Source
Readmission and mortality in malnourished, older, hospitalized adults treated with a specialized oral nutritional supplement: A randomized clinical trial
Nicolaas E.P. Deutz et al. · Clinical Nutrition · 2016
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