Effect of Family-Style Meals on Energy Intake and Risk of Malnutrition in Dutch Nursing Home Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background . Social facilitation and meal ambiance have beneficial effects on food intake in healthy adults. Extrapolation to the nursing home setting may lead to less malnutrition among the residents. Therefore, we investigate the effect of family-style meals on energy intake and the risk of malnutrition in Dutch nursing home residents. Methods . In 2002 and 2003, a randomized controlled trial was conducted among 178 residents (mean age 77 years) in five Dutch nursing homes. Within each home, two wards were randomized into an intervention ( n = 94) and a control group ( n = 84). For 6 months,... Mehr ...