The nutritional impact of 7 versus 21 home-delivered medically tailored meals in patients with heart failure and malnutrition risk: a random order crossover feeding trial (MEDIMEALS)

Top Things to Know

Both 7 and 21 MTM per week significantly reduced malnutrition risk in patients with HF.

Patients showed better adherence to AHA diet goals, regardless of the number of meals provided.

The number of MTM provided did not significantly affect 30-day readmission rates, which remained below national averages.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study compared the effects of delivering 7 versus 21 medically tailored meals (MTM) per week to patients with heart failure (HF) and malnutrition risk. The findings indicate that both groups showed reduced malnutrition risk, improved adherence to the American Heart Association (AHA) diet goals, and decreased sarcopenia risk over time. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of 30-day readmissions or the number of meals provided. The study concludes that providing at least seven MTM per week post-hospital discharge is a promising strategy to improve nutritional status and reduce readmissions.