Rationale: Vitamin D may be protective during the Covid-19 pandemic1 but levels in the Irish population are typically low2 Daily supplementation of 20μg Vitamin D is recommended3 Our aim was to assess if vitamin D content in enteral feeding regimens of nursing home residents were adequate Methods: Vitamin D intake were assessed by calculating the content of enteral feeding regimens and additional vitamin D supplements prescribed It was not feasible to measure serum vitamin D levels Results: Forty-two tube fed residents were reviewed Average age 58 years (range 25-94 years), 52% male, average duration on enteral feeding 46 months (range 1-102 months) Less than half (43%) ate oral diet Enteral feeding provided average 18 7μg daily (range 6 2-50μg), 3 residents received 20 μg/d There was no significant difference in intakes between those on oral diet or nil per oral (18 6μg versus 18 9μg) Eleven residents (26%), were taking additional vitamin D supplements Conclusion: The majority of nursing home residents on longterm tube feeding reviewed were receiving adequate intakes of vitamin D Enteral feeding provides a reliable source of vitamin D in comparison to usual dietary intakes of nursing home residents The vitamin D content of the enteral feeding regimen should be discussed with the dietitian before additional supplements are prescribed to avoid excessive intakes Specific recommendations on vitamin D requirements for adults on tube feeding, particularly in residential settings are required References: 1 McKenna MJ and Flynn MAT (2020) Covid-19, Cocooning and Vitamin D Intake Requirements Irish Medical Journal Vol 113;No 5;P79 2 Cashman KD, Muldowney S, McNulty B et al (2013) Vitamin D status of Irish adults: findings from the National Adult Nutrition Survey British Journal of Nutrition 109, 1248–1256 3 Laird E and Kenny RA (2020) Vitamin D deficiency in Ireland – implications for COVID-19 Results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) Disclosure of Interest: None declared
Are nursing home residents on enteral feeding in north dublin receiving adequate vitamin d during the covid-19 pandemic?