Types of Nutritional Infusions for the Elderly

Nutritional infusions for the elderly are a solution to directly provide nutrients through intravenous administration. Nutritional infusion solutions are especially useful when older adults cannot eat adequately by mouth. However, their use must follow a doctor’s prescription to ensure safety and effectiveness.

1. What are nutritional infusions?

Nutritional infusions are a method of providing nutrition directly to the body through intravenous administration when patients cannot eat orally or digest normally. Nutritional infusions contain essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, specially formulated to suit the needs of each patient.

For older people, especially those who have difficulty eating and providing nutrients to the body, nutritional infusions for the elderly are considered a method of directly supplying nutrients intravenously, suitable for these cases.

Common types of nutritional infusions:

• Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): Provides all necessary nutrients through intravenous infusion, typically used for those who cannot digest food through the digestive tract for an extended period.
• Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN): Provides partial nutrition through intravenous infusion, often combined with oral or enteral feeding.
• The role of nutritional infusions:
• Maintaining energy and nutrients: Helps provide energy, protein, and essential nutrients to patients when they cannot eat normally.
• Supporting recovery: Used for post-surgical patients, those with severe malnutrition, or cases requiring long-term medical treatment that cannot self-supply nutrients through normal diet.
• Preventing malnutrition: Ensures patients receive sufficient nutrients to maintain body functions and prevent complications due to malnutrition.

Nutritional infusions are prescribed and monitored by medical professionals to ensure the provision of the right type and amount of nutrients appropriate to the patient’s health condition.

2. When are nutritional infusions needed for the elderly?

Nutritional infusions for the elderly are usually prescribed in cases where oral feeding or digestion is no longer effective or cannot meet nutritional needs.

Some situations suggesting the need for nutritional infusions for the elderly:

2.1. Those with severe malnutrition

Elderly people may experience malnutrition due to decreased ability to eat, loss of appetite, or chronic diseases. When the body does not receive enough necessary nutrients through diet, nutritional infusions are used to supplement nutrients and improve health conditions.

2.2. Those who cannot eat orally

Conditions such as swallowing disorders, esophageal stricture, or mouth and throat injuries can make it impossible for older people to eat or drink normally. In these cases, nutritional infusions help provide alternative nutrition intravenously.

2.3. Those with poor nutrient absorption

Some elderly people suffer from intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome, or issues related to nutrient absorption from the intestines. When the digestive system cannot absorb enough nutrients from food, nutritional infusions are an alternative solution to ensure adequate energy and nutrient supply to the body.

2.4. Patients after surgery or serious injury

Elderly people after major surgeries, serious injuries, or during recovery may not be able to eat normally. During these periods, the body needs more energy and nutrients to recover, and nutritional infusions help provide nutrients quickly and effectively.

2.5. Patients with progressive chronic diseases

Chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, heart failure, or liver diseases can cause malnutrition or make eating difficult for older people. Nutritional infusions help maintain necessary energy and nutrients in these cases, supporting the treatment process and enhancing overall health.

2.6. Those in a state of exhaustion and immune system decline

Elderly people with severe physical exhaustion or weakened immune systems due to illness or age need nutritional infusions to provide energy and nutrients, helping recovery and boosting immunity.

2.7. Those with severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

When elderly people are severely dehydrated or have electrolyte imbalances (often due to diarrhea, vomiting, or illness), nutritional infusions not only provide nutrients but also replenish water and balance electrolytes, helping prevent dangerous complications.

3. Types of nutritional infusions for the elderly and how to use them?

Nutritional infusions for the elderly are a method of providing nutrients directly into the veins, helping to maintain or improve nutritional status when they cannot eat enough orally.

Some types of nutritional infusions commonly used for the elderly:

3.1. Glucose infusion Purpose

Provides immediate energy to the body. Glucose is often used for elderly people who are debilitated, exhausted, or have hypoglycemia. 

Usage: Infused intravenously at a dosage and rate prescribed by the doctor. Used in cases requiring rapid energy supply, but caution is needed with diabetic patients.

3.2. Amino Acid infusion Purpose

Supplements amino acids, essential components for cell building and regeneration, muscles, and tissues. 

Usage: Prescribed for patients with malnutrition, poor appetite, or inability to digest protein. Dosage and infusion time need to be adjusted according to the level of nutritional deficiency.

3.3. Lipid infusion Purpose

Provides fats to the body, helping maintain long-term energy. Lipids are important nutritional components, especially for older people lacking fat in their diet. 

Usage: Infused intravenously, often combined with other types of infusions to balance nutrients.

3.4. Vitamin and Mineral infusion (Multivitamin) Purpose

Provides vitamins (A, D, E, K, B, C) and minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc) to enhance overall health, support the immune system, and metabolism. 

Usage: Often used for elderly people deficient in micronutrients. Can be infused individually or in combination with other infusions.

3.5. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Purpose

Provides complete nutrients including carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals for patients who cannot eat or drink orally for an extended period. 

Usage: Infused through large veins, usually applied in cases where patients need complete nutritional supplementation through infusion.

Before, during, and after administering nutritional infusions to the elderly, some points need to be noted to ensure safety and effectiveness:

• Must be prescribed by a doctor and performed under the supervision of experienced medical staff.
• Regular check-ups are needed to assess nutritional status and adjust the type of infusion.
• Avoid self-administering infusions, as it can cause risks of side effects such as anaphylactic shock, infection, or electrolyte imbalance.

The choice of infusion type depends on the specific nutritional needs of the elderly person, their current health condition, and the body’s absorption capacity. Additionally, applying proper nutritional regimens is very important for good health and long-lasting beauty. Therefore, it is necessary to eat scientifically and proactively take care of health early to live healthily and longevity.

References: Medilodge.com, Olympiapharmacy.com, Link.springer.com