%0 Journal Article %A Olza, Josune %A Mesa, María D %A Poyatos, Rafael M %A Aguilera, Concepción M %A Moreno-Torres, Rosario %A Pérez, Milagros %A Pérez de la Cruz, Antonio %A Gil, Angel %T A specific protein-enriched enteral formula decreases cortisolemia and improves plasma albumin and amino acid concentrations in elderly patients %D 2010 %U http://hdl.handle.net/10668/415 %X Background: Old age is associated with an involuntary and progressive but physiological loss of muscle mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exclusive consumption for 6 months of a protein-enriched enteral diet with a relatively high content of branched-chain amino acids on albuminemia, cortisolemia, plasma aminoacids, insulin resistance, and inflammation biomarkers in elderly patients.Methods: Thirty-two patients from the Clinical Nutrition Outpatient Unit at our hospital exclusively consumed a protein-enriched enteral diet for 6 months. Data were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months on anthropometric and biochemical parameters and on plasma concentrations of amino acids, cortisol,adrenocorticotropic hormone, urea, creatinine, insulin resistance, and inflammation biomarkers.Results: The percentage of patients with albumin concentration below normal cut-off values decreased from 18% to 0% by the end of the study. At 6 months, concentrations of total plasma (p = 0.008) and essential amino acids(p = 0.011), especially branched-chain amino acids (p = 0.031), were higher versus baseline values, whereas 3-methylhistidine (p = 0.001), cortisol (p = 0.001) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (p = 0.004) levels were lower.Conclusions: Regular intake of specific protein-enriched enteral formula increases plasma essential amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids, and decreases cortisol and 3-methylhistidine, while plasma urea and creatinine remain unchanged. %K Anciano %K Nutrición Enteral %K Aminoácidos, Péptidos y Proteínas %K Sarcopenia %K Alimentos Fortificados %~