|
|
| Overview » about malnutrition |
 |
|
|
Malnutrition is a general term for a medical condition caused by an improper or insufficient diet. It usually refers to undernutrition resulting from inadequate consumption, poor absorption, or excessive loss of nutrients, although the term also covers overnutrition. An individual will experience malnutrition if the appropriate amount, or quality of nutrients comprising a healthy diet are not consumed for an extended period of time.
Anyone who fails to eat a balanced diet regularly is at risk of malnutrition, and this can include people with a busy or demanding lifestyle as well as the more obvious groups such as the sick or elderly.
Estimates of the prevalence of malnutrition vary, because methods for detection are not standardised. But it is believed that up to 40% of patients of all ages are malnourished upon admission to hospital. Certain groups are particularly at risk: older people; patients with cancer, renal disease or chronic heart failure; and patients who have had surgery. In all clinical and community settings and across the population, malnutrition is severely unrecognised.
Malnutrition leads to poor clinical outcomes.
Malnutrition is not only a problem on its own. For example, complication rates in malnourished surgical patients are two to three times higher than in patients who are well-nourished.
The effects of malnutrition include:
- Clinical complications
- Stunted growth
- Reduced intelligence
- Cognitive abilities
- Reduced activity and energy, increased tiredness, lack of concentration, apathy
- Reduced muscle growth and strength.
NICE recommendations on where to screen using 'MUST':
- all hospital inpatients on admission
- all outpatients at their first appointment
- all people in care homes on admission
- all people on registration at GP surgeries
- and upon clinical concern.
- Consider screening at other opportunities (for example, health checks, flu injections).
- Repeat screening weekly for inpatients and when there is clinical concern for all.
- Screening should be carried out by healthcare professionals with appropriate skills and training.
- Assess body mass index (BMI), percentage unintentional weight loss and time over which nutrient intake has been unintentionally reduced and/or the likelihood of future impaired nutrient intake.
Summary
Balanced nutrition improves the chances of getting over an illness faster.
Balanced nutrition reduces the chance of complications.
|
|
|
|
Product overview