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Community-dwelling older adults are at risk of malnutrition due to age-related declines in energy and nutrient intake. While the positive effect of dining companions on energy and nutrient intake has been suggested, evidence remains inconclusive. This study investigated the association between the number of dining companions and energy and nutrient intake, as well as the contribution of specific food groups to higher intake in the presence of dining companions.

This cross-sectional study included 2,865 community-dwelling older adults. The number of dining companions was assessed through self-administered questionnaires and categorized into three groups (none, 1, ≥2). Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to control for potential confounders.

Participants dining with two or more companions consumed significantly more energy (β 143.85; 95% CI: 30.05, 257.65; p for trend = 0.01), protein (β 6.32; 95% CI: 1.05, 11.59), fat (β 6.78; 95% CI: 2.44, 11.12; p for trend = 0.002), and carbohydrates (β 17.43; 95% CI: 1.48, 33.37; p for trend = 0.06) compared to those dining alone. They also consumed higher amounts of rice, fats and oils, meat, other vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms.

Dining with two or more companions is associated with greater energy and nutrient intake, particularly from energy- and nutrient-dense foods. Encouraging shared meals could serve as a potential approach to support dietary quality and address risks of malnutrition in older adults.

Paper information

Journal: Nutrients
Title: The Association of Dining Companionship with Energy and Nutrient Intake Among Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults
DOI: 10.3390/nu17010037
Authors:Yuki Minagawa-Watanabe, Shigekazu Ukawa, Tomoe Fukumura, Satoe Okabayashi, Masahiko Ando, Kenji Wakai, Kazuyo Tsushita, Akiko Tamakoshi
Published:  26 December 2024
URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010037

Contact

Shigekazu Ukawa
Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology
Email: ukawa[at]omu.ac.jp

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