From the Research
For an 80-year-old female with chronic mesenteric ischemia, the recommended feeding regimen should focus on small, frequent meals that are low in fat, as this approach helps manage symptoms by reducing the intestinal blood flow requirements during digestion, according to the most recent guidelines 1. The patient should consume 5-6 small meals daily rather than 3 larger ones to reduce the oxygen demand on the intestines during digestion.
- Each meal should be low in fat (less than 20-25% of total calories) since fat requires more blood flow for digestion, as noted in studies on the pathophysiology of chronic mesenteric ischemia 2.
- The diet should emphasize easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates while ensuring adequate caloric intake of approximately 1,500-1,800 calories daily, adjusted for the patient's weight and activity level.
- Oral nutritional supplements between meals may be beneficial if weight loss is present, as weight loss is a common complication of chronic mesenteric ischemia due to reduced food intake caused by postprandial pain 3.
- The patient should avoid large meals, especially those high in fat, as they can trigger postprandial pain, a key symptom of chronic mesenteric ischemia 4.
- Adequate hydration with 1.5-2 liters of fluid daily is important, but fluids should be consumed between rather than during meals to prevent early satiety. This regimen is supported by the latest clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Vascular Surgery, which emphasize the importance of managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia 1.