Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

As I am applying for the Summer Program In Aging, I will not be presenting my research but I have provided, below, an abstract of my current research as it relates to aging. Nutritional supplements have been available to consumers for decades but have become increasingly popular in recent years. When used in appropriate quantities, supplements can improve nutritional status; although, one concern for supplement use is the possibility of adverse medication-supplement interactions. This is especially concerning in populations who have higher medication usage, such as adults over the age of 50. Few studies of medication use in older adults assessed the impact of dietary supplement use on medication functionality and overall nutrition status and there is no significant research into the specifics of potentially adverse supplement-medication interactions. The Medication Assessment Centre (MAC) at the University of Saskatoon is a unique and evolving centre that offers in-depth medication assessments for clients. The purpose of this research project is to assess nutritional supplement use and dietary intakes of older adults with complex medication use. More specifically, investigate the potential for adverse medication-supplement interactions and develop a clinical tool (protein calculator) that will screen for poor intake of dietary protein. This study will be done in two parts. Part 1 will be development of a protein calculator tool. In Part 2, patients with chronic medication use will be assessed for dietary intakes and dietary supplement use. Currently, there are limited resources available in Canada to calculate protein intake. A 'protein calculator' will offer awareness and improved nutritional status and can result in less adverse medication-supplement interactions.