Researchers studied 29 older adults who often skipped meals to see if drinking special nutritional supplements could help them. For 8 weeks, participants drank two bottles of supplement daily instead of skipping meals. The results were encouraging: their overall nutrition improved, they got more important nutrients their bodies need, and they became stronger and more able to do daily activities like walking and climbing stairs. This simple change—replacing missed meals with a convenient drink—appears to be a practical way to help seniors maintain their health and independence.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can drinking nutritional supplement drinks help older adults who skip meals stay healthier and stronger?
  • Who participated: 29 people aged 65 and older who regularly skipped at least one meal every day
  • Key finding: After 8 weeks of drinking two supplement bottles daily, participants’ overall nutrition scores improved by about 8%, their nutrient intake got better, and their physical strength and ability to move around improved significantly
  • What it means for you: If you’re an older adult who skips meals, drinking a nutritional supplement might help you feel stronger and maintain better health. However, this is a small study, so talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet.

The Research Details

This was a straightforward study where researchers followed the same group of people over time to see what happened when they made one change. All 29 participants were 65 or older and admitted they regularly skipped at least one meal per day. For 8 weeks, instead of skipping meals, they drank two bottles of a special nutritional drink each day. Each bottle had 200 calories and 9 grams of protein—similar to a light meal.

The researchers measured several things before the study started and again after 8 weeks: how well-nourished the participants were overall, what nutrients they were getting, their body composition (muscle versus fat), and their physical abilities. They used a specific test called the Short Physical Performance Battery to measure strength and movement ability, which includes things like walking speed and how easily someone can stand up from a chair.

This type of study design is useful for seeing if a simple intervention can work in real life. By measuring multiple aspects of health—not just weight or nutrition scores, but actual physical ability—the researchers could see if the supplement made a real difference in how well older adults could function day-to-day. This matters because staying strong and independent is crucial for older adults’ quality of life.

This study has some important limitations to understand. It’s relatively small with only 29 people, and there was no comparison group (like people who continued skipping meals) to compare results against. The study lasted only 8 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer. However, the improvements were statistically significant, meaning they’re unlikely to be due to chance alone. The study was registered in a clinical trial database, which is a good sign of transparency.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that participants’ overall nutrition improved significantly. Their nutrition quality score went from about 59 to about 64 out of 100—a meaningful improvement that suggests their bodies were getting better nourished. When researchers looked at what nutrients people were actually consuming (including the supplement drinks), almost every nutrient category improved: protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals all increased.

Physical function showed impressive improvement. Using a standard test that measures how well older adults can walk, stand, and move around, researchers found significant gains. This means participants likely found it easier to do everyday activities like getting out of bed, walking to the store, or climbing stairs.

Interestingly, while overall nutrition improved, there was a small decrease in calf muscle size (about 0.7 centimeters). This is a bit surprising and suggests the supplement may have helped with overall nutrition but didn’t prevent all muscle loss—which is common in older adults even when eating well.

Beyond the main findings, the study showed that the supplement approach was practical and acceptable to participants—they completed the 8-week program, suggesting it was easy to incorporate into their daily routine. The improvement in physical function was particularly notable because it shows the supplement didn’t just improve numbers on paper; it actually helped people move better and feel more capable.

This research aligns with what scientists already know: older adults who don’t eat enough tend to become weaker and less healthy. Previous studies have shown that nutritional supplements can help, but most research has focused on people in hospitals or care facilities. This study is valuable because it looked at community-dwelling older adults—people living at home—which is more representative of many seniors. The findings support the idea that convenient, easy-to-use supplements might be a practical solution for older adults who struggle to eat regular meals.

Several important limitations should be considered. First, the study included only 29 people, which is a small group. Second, there was no control group—no one continued skipping meals for comparison, so we can’t be completely sure the supplement caused the improvements rather than other factors. Third, the study lasted only 8 weeks; we don’t know if benefits continue after that or if people stick with the supplement long-term. Fourth, the study didn’t track why people were skipping meals in the first place (cost, appetite loss, difficulty chewing, etc.), which might affect how well the supplement works for different individuals. Finally, the decrease in calf muscle size wasn’t fully explained, which raises questions about whether the supplement is ideal for preventing muscle loss.

The Bottom Line

For older adults who regularly skip meals: Nutritional supplement drinks may be worth discussing with your doctor as a way to improve your nutrition and maintain strength. The evidence from this study is moderate—it shows promise, but it’s based on a small group studied for a short time. Start by talking to your healthcare provider about whether this approach makes sense for you, especially if you skip meals due to cost, appetite problems, or difficulty eating regular food. If you try supplements, continue eating regular meals when possible, as whole foods provide benefits supplements can’t fully replace.

This research is most relevant for older adults (65+) who regularly skip meals due to lack of appetite, difficulty eating, or other practical reasons. It may be particularly helpful for those who live alone, have limited cooking ability, or struggle with food costs. Family members and caregivers of older adults should also pay attention, as they might suggest this approach. Healthcare providers working with seniors should consider this option for patients with poor nutrition. However, this approach may not be ideal for people with certain medical conditions (like kidney disease) or those who can eat regular meals—whole foods are still preferable when possible.

Based on this study, you might expect to see improvements in physical function and overall nutrition within 4-8 weeks of consistently using the supplement. However, individual results will vary. Some people might notice they feel stronger or less tired sooner, while others might take longer. The study didn’t look at what happens after 8 weeks, so it’s unclear if benefits continue indefinitely or if you need to keep using the supplement to maintain improvements.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily supplement consumption (number of bottles/servings) and weekly physical function checks: Can you walk a certain distance without stopping? How many times can you stand up from a chair in 30 seconds? Rate your energy level 1-10 each day.
  • Set a daily reminder to drink your supplement at the same time each day (for example, with breakfast or lunch). Log each bottle consumed in the app and note how you feel physically that day. If you’re also eating regular meals, log those too so you can see your total nutrition improving.
  • Weekly check-ins: Measure your ability to do physical activities (walking distance, stair climbing, standing from a chair). Monthly nutrition assessment: Review your app’s nutrition tracking to confirm you’re getting adequate protein, calories, and key nutrients. Every 4 weeks, rate your overall energy and physical capability on a simple scale. Share this data with your healthcare provider to ensure the supplement is working for you.

This research describes a small study conducted over 8 weeks and should not be considered medical advice. Nutritional supplements are not a substitute for medical care or a balanced diet. Before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions, take medications, or have dietary restrictions, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian. Results may vary based on individual health status, medications, and other factors. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical guidance.