Enteral nutritional therapy in older adults

a scientific overview based on bibliometric analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.99044pt

Keywords:

Elderly Nutrition, Nutrition Therapy, Enteral Nutrition, Bibliometrics

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific production on enteral nutritional therapy in older adults, highlighting thematic trends and research gaps.

Methodology: The Web of Science database was used, with publications from 1988 to 2024. Quantitative indicators, number of publications, co-authorship networks, and keywords were analyzed.

Results: A total of 506 documents were retrieved, published across 237 journals and authored by 2,291 individuals. Concentration was observed in the fields of Nutrition and Dietetics (43.48%) and Geriatrics (11.86%). A marked growth occurred after 2010, followed by stabilization. Intensive Care Unit, cancer, and malnutrition emerged as central themes. Gaps were identified in interventions targeting frail older adults and in palliative care.

Conclusions: Scientific production on enteral nutritional therapy in older adults has grown consistently, with emphasis on Nutrition and Geriatrics, but still lacks studies focused on personalized interventions and palliative care.

Author Biographies

Edcleide Oliveira dos Santos Olinto, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Nutritionist. Master's student in Gerontology. Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Gina Araújo Martins Feitosa, Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley, João Pessoa, PB, Brasil.

Nutritionist. Master's in Gerontology. Lauro Wanderley University Hospital, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Adriana Meira Tiburtino Nepomuceno, Lauro Wanderley University Hospital, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Nurse. Master's degree in Gerontology. Lauro Wanderley University Hospital, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Susanne Pinheiro Costa e Silva, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Psychology. Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Maria Adelaide Silva Paredes Moreira, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Health Sciences. Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

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Published

2025-09-17

How to Cite

Olinto, E. O. dos S., Feitosa, G. A. M., Nepomuceno, A. M. T., Costa e Silva, S. P., & Moreira, M. A. S. P. (2025). Enteral nutritional therapy in older adults: a scientific overview based on bibliometric analysis. Cogitare Enfermagem, 30. https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.99044pt

Issue

Section

Review