2008 Archive

A ‘taste’ of nutrition that’s not hard to swallow

New reshaped food more appetizing, helps patients with swallowing concerns

Edmonton, Canada – Patients with eating and swallowing difficulties are welcoming a new line of modified texture (pureed/minced) foods reshaped into their original form to improve the eating habits of patients with difficulty chewing and/or swallowing (known as dysphagia). Ultimately, the new food will lead to better nutrition and healthier patients and in some cases, faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays.

Approximately 10 per cent of patients in Alberta Health Services - Capital Health facilities are on modified texture diets because of dysphagia. This includes people of all ages with a variety of conditions including stroke, head injury, progressive degenerative diseases, and structural changes to the face, mouth and neck. Many of these patients have trouble eating enough to get the energy and nutrients they need.

"Our goal for all our patient menus is to make nutritious food appealing and easy for patients to eat," says Laura Mercier, Quality Control Analyst and Registered Dietitian with Alberta Health Services - Capital Health. "Modified textures are often recommended for those with chewing and swallowing difficulty. The formed foods are more appetizing and can be comforting to those struggling with an illness or injury as well as the stress of treatment or rehabilitation."

"Patients, families and staff have responded very favourably to the new menu items," says Christine Gotaas, Coordinator of the Feeding/Swallowing Service at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. "Meals that look like real food items are more appealing and motivating to eat - corn shaped like corn on the cob has been a special treat this summer."

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that elderly dysphagia patients who were served reshaped food gained more weight and took in more total energy and nutrients.

Currently, minced meats, pureed vegetables and pureed sandwiches are served in all Alberta Health Services - Capital Health hospitals. Formed pureed meats are next on the menu, and eventually formed pureed fruit, desserts and even salads will be available.

-30-

Contact

Every effort has been made to ensure that news release content is up-to-date. Archived news releases are provided for research purposes only and may contain outdated links or information. Media Contacts List