Research Corner - Low energy intake and nutritional maladaptation in terminal stage IV periodontitis
Mr Alex Pollard, our Honorary Editor, has kindly written a precis of a really thought-provoking article that was recently published:
Low energy intake and nutritional maladaptation in terminal stage IV periodontitis.
I found this study interesting at it acts as a reminder of why we work so hard to maintain the dentition, along with reinforcing the importance of prevention with regards to periodontitis.
The authors essentially set out to conduct a case control study. The selected participants (the cases) all had terminal dentition due to stage IV periodontitis (TDS4P). Fifty-one consecutive participants (aged 55 or over) with TDS4P were enrolled. Their average dietary intake was evaluated using a 3-day 24hr dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. The daily intake of fresh fruits/vegetables, dietary energy and macro/micronutrients were calculated. The results were then compared to matched national data (the controls) and Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes.
The results showed that 19.6% of participants with TDS4P were at risk of malnutrition. The mean energy intake was 1517kcal for males and 1110kcal for females, which was significantly lower than the national data and reference levels. Intake of vegetables was also significantly lower, along with micronutrient intake (e.g. vitamins A, C and E).
There were some limitations to the study, for instance this was a relatively small convenience sample of patients who were seeking dental implant treatment in China, so the results may not be generalisable to all settings. Also, the participants were found to have above average income and educational status, which may even lead to underestimation of the findings regarding nutritional impairment in people with TDS4P.
For me, the study was a nice reminder of why we do what we do. The work we do within the field of Periodontology has so many benefits to the individuals that we work with. If we can help people to keep fuelling their bodies with a healthy varied diet then that is another nice string to our bow!