Examining food intake in hospitalized elderly and its effects on muscle and health outcomes

Food Intake of Hospitalized Elderly and Its Influence on Muscular and Clinical Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Observational University of Sao Paulo General Hospital · NCT06940284

This study looks at how much food elderly patients eat while in the hospital and how it affects their muscle strength and overall health after they go home.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT06940284 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the energy and protein intake of elderly patients during their hospital stay. It will evaluate how this intake influences muscular outcomes, such as muscle strength and functionality, as well as clinical outcomes like length of hospital stay, readmission rates, and mortality. The study will track these outcomes at the time of discharge and again at 2 and 6 months post-discharge. By analyzing the relationship between nutritional intake and health outcomes, the study seeks to identify predictors of muscle loss and functional decline in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly individuals aged 65 and older who are hospitalized for less than 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with recent cancer, cognitive deficits, neurological diseases, or those receiving nutrition via enteral or parenteral routes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutritional strategies for hospitalized elderly patients, enhancing their recovery and overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on nutrition and elderly health, this specific focus on energy-protein intake during hospitalization and its long-term effects is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* both sex;
* 65 years and older;
* hospital stay less than 48 hours;

Exclusion Criteria:

* cancer in the last 5 years;
* delirium;
* cognitive deficit that impossibility the patient to read and sign the informed consent form;
* neurological disease;
* neurodegenerative muscular disease;
* patients receive nutrition via enteral and parenteral routes.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, São Paulo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atrophy, MuscularUndernutrition
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.