The Effects of Sorbet Drinking Before Meal on Food Intake and Body Mass Index Among Elderly People With Xerostomia

Abstract

Research is limited regarding the nutritional impact on xerostomia in the elderly. In a quasi-clinical trial, water intake with food, food intake, and body mass index were assessed during the 7 days before and after the intervention of providing a sorbet before lunch and dinner for 8 weeks. We observed differences in subjective and objective xerostomia evaluation, water amount needed while eating (mean difference = −26.28 ± 21.21; 95% confidence interval, −31.34 to −21.23; P = .016), and food intake (P = .033) before and after the intervention. A statistically significant change was observed among seniors with a body mass index less than 25 (mean difference = 0.42 ± 0.57; 95% CI, 0.21-0.63; P < .001), indicating that xerostomia management may improve food intake and body mass index.