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Should an anti-inflammatory diet be used in long-term care homes?

Navita Viveky, Wendy J. Dahl, Susan J. Whiting

Background: Inflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of several age-related chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and dementia. Most older adults residing in long-term care (LTC) homes have at least one of these conditions; they also have some degree of compromised nutritional intake due to management, personal and medical challenges. We hypothesized that an anti-inflammatory diet in LTC is necessary and feasible, and may lead to improvements in the health and wellbeing of residents.

Methods: A literature review was carried out to evaluate the evidence on effectiveness of anti-inflammatory diet changes in adults as well as the feasibility of LTC menu revision.

Results: Dietary components have both positive and negative influences on inflammation in older adults. LTC menu revisions using the anti-inflammatory diet popularized by Weil, which is designed as a food guide, are feasible. This diet could be used in LTC menu planning to complement and expand upon Canada’s Food Guide recommendations.

Conclusions: Implementation of a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet may lead to improved health and wellbeing among LTC residents.