The essential nutrient for healthy ageing

As people get older, their lifestyle, appetite and activity levels change – especially if they are a patient in a hospital or resident in an aged care facility.

Changes like these can affect the types and amount of food they eat. Hence, it’s so important to use every meal occasion as an opportunity to maximise nutrition intake.

One of the major nutrients essential for maintaining healthy ageing is fibre.

Often undervalued, fibre allows for a functional digestive system while also contributing to other major body processes such as the stabilisation of glucose and cholesterol levels. Dietary fibre is commonly found in cereals, fruit and vegetables.

However, the unfortunate reality is that many older Australians are still not getting enough fibre in their diet.

“Individuals need 25-30 grams of fibre in their diet a day, and it’s concerning to see just how many people are not getting their recommended daily dose of fibre,” Denise Burbidge, Accredited Practising Dietitian & Nutritionist, The Food Clinic says.

“I see so many people who are struggling to eat their core foods – like fruits, vegetables and wholegrains.

“If people aren’t eating the right fibre rich foods, their body will experience a range of health complications.”

Cheri Hugo, Director of My Nutritional Clinic and founder of The Lantern Project says food enjoyment, as well as nutritional status, also impacts the quality of life of older Australians.

“We know that food variety, adequate choice, ease of access to foods, portion size, independence as well as foods that engage the five senses affect mealtime enjoyment. These factors are also hard to achieve for people on texture modified diets,” Ms Hugo says.

Recognising these challenges, Australian food manufacturer SPC Ardmona created SPC ProVital.

SPC ProVital is a range of nutritious and expertly formulated fruit-based products designed to address specific health requirements.

SPC ProVital Fibre Right Apple and Prune Puree offers a delicious way for people to get a sufficient amount of nutrients into their diet, and can be consumed as a meal accompaniment or snack. It is specifically formulated to provide a good source of fibre, with at least 5 grams in each serve.

SPC ProVital is also a ‘Texture C Puree’ which means it has been developed and rigorously tested to meet the strict guidelines of ‘Australian Standardised Terminology and Definitions for Modified Texture Foods and Fluids’ to deliver a product suitable for people on Texture C diets.

Additionally, SPC ProVital offers easy-open portion controlled packaging, which means it is also easily accessible for those with mobility issues such as arthritis.

Dijana Dragicevich, Senior Speech Pathologist at the Royal North Shore Hospital says, “It’s so important that modifications to textures and flavours are made to products, especially for those with eating, speaking and mobility issues like dysphagia.”

A recent study of 400 patients conducted at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney revealed 7 out of 10 patients stated that the SPC ProVital Fibre Right fruit range taste and texture was either very good or excellent.

SPC believes that positive nutritional food choices support the health and longevity of all Australians.

As the next evolution of the easy-open portion control fruit range, SPC ProVital Fibre Right makes it simple and delicious for people to meet their daily fibre intake.

SPC ProVital is determined to give Australia’s ageing population choice, taste and nutrition every day, every meal occasion.

Key features of SPC’s ProVital Fibre Right range include:  Delicious apple & prune smooth fruit puree, it is suitable for Texture C Diets, it’s available in portion control 120 gram cup and bulk 2.95 kilogram can, is in easy-open portion control packaging, is made in Australia, and has at least 5 grams of fibre per serve.

For more information on SPC ProVital, click here.

‘SPC ProVital’ is a registered trade mark of SPC Ardmona. ‘Fibre Right’ is a trade mark of SPC Ardmona.