Doctors perceive ‘excellent benefits’ in prescribing nutritional supplements for malnourished kids, but taste and smell matter

This is according to a new study funded by Abbott Laboratories and published in Nutrients. ​While the doctors surveyed had very positive perceptions of the benefits, they found that the barriers that stopped children from taking the supplements included dosing amounts and organoleptic characteristics—particularly smell.

“We must continue to take into consideration, and research and improve, the organoleptic characteristics of nutritional formulas, as well as aspects related to their indication, individualized dosage and clinical care [to] ensure better nutritional adherence and to ensure the achievement of nutritional goals and improvement in the clinical status of children,” wrote Madrid-based scientists from the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón and Abbott Laboratories.

How palatability influences patient progress ​

Disease-related malnutrition in children is a relatively common condition​, with figures of up to 30% recorded in the hospitalized pediatric population​.

Researchers noted that it is very important to understand the factors that may influence tolerance and adherence to nutritional supplements (NS). These include the amount, type, duration, palatability and accessibility and impact on nutrition monitoring. These factors can influence long-term patient progress and may change the course of children’s disease and complications.

There are few pediatric population studies on the perception of patient tolerance and acceptability that take into account organoleptic properties [how substances are apprehended through the senses] of oral supplements​.

One study with adult patients found much adherence was down to a formula’s taste and smell​. The authors consider these factors would be even more important for children.

Assessing adherence​

PerceptiONS Jr is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational multi-center study based on an ad hoc electronic survey designed to explore doctors’ perceptions of at least five children with malnutrition during outpatient follow-up. 

For the study, an electronic survey was completed by pediatricians working in the Spanish public health system. They were recruited for their experience in the nutritional treatment of children and belonged to different pediatric subspecialties.

The survey assessed the perception of certain parameters of the prescribing doctor in five patients with malnutrition treated with nutritional supplements. A second part assessed the perceived benefits of NS, patient satisfaction and NS acceptability, patient adherence to the prescribed supplement and its associated factors, and improvement in physical condition.

Finally, patients were asked about their perceptions of the formula’s taste.

Results​

The data indicated that, in 80% of cases, satisfaction and acceptance of NS was very good in children. Patients in the under six months group had the lowest participation (20%). Supplement administration significantly improved oral tolerance and different gastrointestinal symptoms.

When analyzing lack of adherence, smell was the most significant factor. The most accepted flavor was chocolate.

Generally, prescribing doctors involved in the study said they would recommend the supplements “given the perceived benefits and nutritional and quality of life goals achieved.” Authors reported the families perceived significant benefits in both children’s quality of life and overall condition.

“The PerceptiONS Jr study is the first pediatric study with a large sample size and is therefore representative of a clinical-reality-related nutritional supplement subscription and adherence,” the researchers wrote. “Our study assessed not only doctor’s perceptions about prescribing supplements to sick children but also the degree of satisfaction among families and doctors, as well as factors that influenced adequate follow up of the indicated nutritional treatment.

“The results obtained show good satisfaction among the prescribing doctors in terms of patient tolerance and adherence to the formulas prescribed, independent of the formulas and of the previous nutritional status.”

Source: Nutrients​ 
2024​, 16​(15), 2475, doi: 10.3390/nu16152475​
“Perception of Paediatricians and Families about Nutritional Supplements: Acceptance, Tolerability and Satisfaction in Malnourished Children (PerceptiONS Jr Study)”
Authors: T. Hernani, et al.