Undernutrition: Social Security reimburses cookies designed at the Nice University Hospital

Undernutrition does not only affect poor countries. In France, nearly 20% of people over 70 suffer from this eating disorder. In total, more than 2 million French children, adults and seniors are said to be undernourished. And the vast majority are in hospitals.

So to fight against this phenomenon, a team from the University Hospital of Nice mobilized and developed a recipe for high-protein (22% protein) and high-calorie (30 kcal) biscuits. Protibis pancakes, similar to Breton pancakes, are so effective that the Health Insurance has decided to reimburse them since 1^er March 2017.

Rediscover the pleasure of crunching

Pr Isabelle Prêcheur, dental surgeon at the head of this project, wanted to invent a solid food suitable for patients who have no other alternative than high-protein milk drinks, due to poor dentition. After several years of research, the team, in collaboration with the pastry chef from the University Hospital of Nice, found the ideal recipe: the biscuit is delicious and the texture gives patients the pleasure of biting into a biscuit.

The studies carried out subsequently show that these small pancakes of pure natural butter or cocoa promote weight gain in undernourished patients, and above all they regain their appetite. These cakes are also suitable for cancer patients because they cause less nausea. For diabetic patients, the Protibis range allows them to indulge themselves without fear of seeing their blood sugar soar.

An essential food in Haiti

Added to breakfast and snacks (about 8 pancakes per day), these cookies increase food intake, weight, regulate transit and reduce the appearance of bedsores. Result: this food supplement improves the quality of vision of patients and reduces the costs of care for the elderly in retirement homes.

Their nutritional intake is also excellent for people threatened by extreme undernutrition or even starvation. In 2009, the Nice University Hospital sent dozens of boxes to Chile to support the 33 miners buried 700 meters underground for 69 days. More recently, cargoes were transported to Haiti after the destructive passage of the cyclone.

Watch the program L’Invité santé with Prof. Eric Fontaine broadcast on October 20, 2016