Effects of food neophobia and oral health on the nutritional status of community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND: Food preferences and oral health of older adults greatly affect their nutritional intake, and old-age–related increase in food neophobia may consequently reduce food intake in older adults. This study aimed to determine the impact of food neophobia and oral health on nutritional risk in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 238 independent adults aged ≥ 65 years (mean, 76.3 ± 7.3 years). The survey items included a Food Neophobia Scale, frequency of protein intake, oral-health–related quality of life (QOL) assessment, and oral diadochokinesis (ODK; /pa/, /ta/, /ka/) as an index of oral function. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment®, and based on a cutoff value of 24 points, respondents were categorized as well-nourished (≥ 24 points, Group 1) or at risk of malnutrition (< 24 points, Group 2). A logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (adj-OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to identify risks factors for malnutrition associated with food neophobia and oral health. RESULTS: Factors associated with the risk of malnutrition in the older population were higher food neophobia (adj-OR = 1.036, 95% CI: 1.007–1.067) and lower oral function (OR = 0.992, 95% CI: 0.985–0.999) and lower oral-health–related QOL (adj-OR = 0.963, 95% CI: 0.929–0.999). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults at risk of developing malnutrition may have higher food neophobia and lower oral function and oral-health–related QOL. Factors contributing to preventing malnutrition include predicting the risk of malnutrition based on the oral health indicators that older people are aware of, signs appearing in the oral cavity, minor deterioration, and providing dietary guidance about food neophobia. Notably, these approaches represent novel strategies for nutrition support that can be implemented based on a multifaceted understanding of the eating habits of older adults.