Intensive dietary intervention by a dietitian as a case manager among community dwelling older adults: the EDIT study.

Background: Clinical trials that have assessed the best approach for treating under-nutrition in old age are scarce.

Objective: To determine the impact of an intensive nutritional intervention program led by a dietitian on the health and nutritional status of malnourished community dwelling older adults.

Methods: Sixty-eight eligible participants (age<75) were randomly assigned to a Dietetic Intervention Treatment (DIT), an intensive nutritional intervention led by a dietitian, or a Medical Treatment (MT), a physician-led standard care group, with an educational booklet regarding dietary requirements and recommendations for older adults.