Objective

Nutritional management is essential in caring for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), older adults at higher risk of malnutrition and comorbidities. However, data on actual dietary intake patterns in older adults with predialysis CKD, especially by diabetes mellitus (DM) status, remain limited.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 106 patients aged ≥65 years with CKD stage G3a or higher, divided into DM (n=67) and non-DM (n=39) groups. Dietary intake was assessed using a single 24-hour recall. Nutrient and food-group intakes were compared with recommended levels.
Results
In both groups, energy intake was lower than recommended levels. More than half of the participants exceeded sodium limits, and approximately half consumed excess protein. Patients with DM had significantly higher protein intake and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels than those without DM. Most food groups, except protein foods, were consumed below recommended levels.
Conclusion
Dietary patterns in older adults with predialysis CKD showed low energy intake, high sodium intake, and relatively high protein intake. Those with DM had higher protein intake and BUN levels, suggesting dietary differences by diabetes status. These findings underscore the need for age-sensitive, individualized nutritional management strategies that consider kidney function and DM status.

Objective

Food for special medical purpose (FSMP) has become essential in clinical nutrition care. However, comprehensive data on FSMP utilization practices among healthcare professionals in South Korea are limited. This study aimed to investigate perceptions, current practices, and needs regarding FSMP among healthcare professionals.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a cross-sectional survey of 417 healthcare professionals (47 physicians, 219 nurses, and 151 dietitians) from 90 institutions with focus group interviews of 24 Nutrition Support Team members from six institutions. Data were collected from May to October 2025.
Results
Substantial interphysician variability was observed in documentation for enteral formula prescriptions. Infusion rates were documented in 9.2% of the physician orders; feeding method was recorded in 14.1%. Across all professional groups, diarrhea was the most common reason for changing enteral formulas (36%–39%). In education related enteral formulas, 59.6% of the physicians expected dietitians to educate patients; however, this role was most commonly performed by nurses (59.8%). Dietitians prioritized hygiene (66.9%) and safety (64.2%) when selecting products, and 84.1% of the institutions were providing oral nutritional supplements.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the need for standardized prescription documentation, evidence-based feeding protocols, and clearly defined professional roles in multidisciplinary frameworks, to optimize FSMP utilization.