Relationship between Chewing Ability and Nutritional Status in Japanese Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between objective chewing ability and nutritional status of Japanese community-dwelling elders. Design: A cross-sectional study. Participants: total 509 elders living in Tokyo metropolitan area participated a comprehensive survey conducted October 2013. Measurements: The basic characteristics were sex, age, body mass index. Undernutrition was examined through serum albumin levels. Chewing color-changeable xylitol gum by evaluating color changes gum. Nutritional intake using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: In poor group, all nutrient levels significantly low, except for carbohydrates, groups cereals, confectionery, sugars, seasonings, spices. Additionally, after adjusting covariates Metropolitan Institute Gerontology-Index Competence (TMIG-IC) score, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) index (BMI), stroke, number functional teeth, energy intake, protein found be associated with undernutrition. Conclusion: We concluded that closely different groups’ as well undernutrition, among Thus, ensure management, nutritionists dentists should collaborate when treating same patients.