Evaluation of an Oral Nutritional Supplement in Older Hospitalized Patients

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ 55 years of age.
2. Admitted to hospital with a disease of respiratory system including acute respiratory diseases (e.g., pneumonia, acute bronchitis) or exacerbation of existing respiratory diseases.
3. Anticipated length of hospital stay of at least 3 days.
4. Ability to climb a flight of 10 stairs or walk a city block without the help of another person prior to hospitalization.
5. Able to consume foods and beverages orally.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unstable heart failure which requires ICU admission.
2. Severe respiratory disease requiring long-term, continuous oxygen therapy.
3. Diabetes.
4. Impaired renal function.
5. Impaired liver function.
6. Cancer.
7. Hospitalized for two or more days in past 4 weeks.
8. Requires intubation or tube feeding.
9. Expected to be transferred to an advanced care unit.
10. Body mass index of ≥ 40 kg/m2.
11. Active tuberculosis.
12. Ascites or severe edema.
13. Acute Hepatitis or HIV.
14. Disorder of gastrointestinal tract.
15. Dementia;brain metastases, eating disorder, significant neurological, psychiatric disorder, other psychological condition.
16. Medication/dietary supplements/substances that could modulate metabolism or weight.
17. Partial or full artificial lower limb.
18. Allergy or intolerance to any of the ingredients in the study products.
19. Procedure using iodine-based contrast media within 7 days prior to hospitalization; or, anticipated to need procedure using iodine-based contrast media within 3 days after hospital admission.