What is Malnutrition?

Put simply, malnutrition is a state of nutrition (under or overnutrition) in which a lack of protein, energy and other nutrients causes measurable adverse effects on tissue and/or body form, composition, function or clinical outcome.

Malnutrition is a silent epidemic with an estimated 35 - 43 per cent of patients in Australian hospitals suffering from the condition. Estimates of malnutrition in the wider community vary, but a recent Australian study found the prevalence of malnutrition across eight residential aged care facilities ranged from 32-72 per cent.

Causes of Malnutrition

There are many causes of malnutrition. These can include:

• Reduced intake: Poor appetite due to illness, food aversion, nausea or pain when eating, depression, anxiety, side effects of medication or drug addiction
• Inability to eat: This can be due to investigations or being held nil by mouth, reduced levels of consciousness; confusion; difficulty in feeding oneself due to weakness, arthritis or other conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, dysphagia, vomiting, painful mouth conditions, poor oral hygiene or dentition; restrictions imposed by surgery or investigations
• Lack of food availability: poverty; poor quality diet at home, in hospital or in care homes; problems with shopping and cooking
• Impaired absorption: This can be due to medical and surgical problems affecting digestion & stomach, intestine, pancreas and liver /or absorption
• Altered metabolism: Increased or changed metabolic demands requirements related to illness e.g. cancer; surgery, organ dysfunction, or treatment

People at risk of Malnutrition

The groups most vulnerable to malnutrition include:

• People just discharged from hospital
• Elderly people
• People with cancer and other long-term conditions
• People recovering from surgery

For more information on suitable products click here.