Description
TitleAcceptability of an essential amino acid supplement in older colorectal surgical patients: a feasibility study
Background
Older abdominal surgery patients often experience sarcopenia, reduced appetite, and deficiencies in dietary intake. Essential amino acids (EAA) may help optimise protein intake without suppressing appetite, yet their acceptability remains unclear.
Aims
To assess the impact of an EAA gel supplement on appetite, palatability, and adherence in older colorectal surgical patients.
Methods
A feasibility study was conducted with three patient groups (n=22) at a UK hospital: preoperative colorectal cancer (n=6), postoperative colorectal cancer (n=8), and emergency abdominal surgery (n=8). In preoperative patients, appetite, energy, and protein intake were assessed following consumption of a 7.5 g EAA supplement and an ad libitum breakfast meal using an acute crossover design. In all three groups, palatability was also assessed post-supplement consumption.
Results
In the preoperative group, patients consuming the EAA supplements and breakfast had significant higher energy and protein intake, with a mean energy intake of 523.1 (±137.2) kcal and protein intake of 27.7g (±6.8) in the EAA condition, compared to 359.1(±66.8) kcal and 17.8g (±2.4) in the control condition without an impact on appetite (p=0.105 energy intake; p=0.104 protein intake, large effect sizes). Elective patients rated the supplement more favourably than emergency surgery patients (p=0.03 taste, p=0.05 palatability, large effect sizes).
Conclusions
EAA supplementation increased energy and protein intake in preoperative patients without affecting appetite. Preoperative elective patients found the supplement more palatable than emergency patients, suggesting that taste perception may influence acceptability. Enhancing supplement palatability may play a key role in perioperative recovery, particularly in emergency surgical patients.
| Period | 30 Jun 2025 → 2 Jul 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland Annual Meeting 2025 |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Harrogate, United KingdomShow on map |