Lots of different factors can contribute to malnutrition. Some conditions (such as COPD and dysphagia) can make it difficult to eat and get enough nutrients. This can lead to disease related malnutrition, a condition that develops when a person’s diet doesn’t give them the right amount of energy (calories), protein and other nutrients3.
Poor appetite, taking lots of medications, and motor dysfunction are just a few contributing factors to malnutrition, which can affect people of all ages. If someone is malnourished, they’re likely to be less active, to use more medication, have more falls, to need more care and to be at greater risk of pressure ulcers if spending long periods in bed2,4.
It’s much harder for a malnourished person to fight off infections or minor illnesses than it is for a well nourished person. Good nutrition can help prevent complications arising from seemingly small health problems, and helps people stay strong and healthy1.
The power of nutrition
A healthcare professional may recommend oral nutritional supplements as a way of managing disease related malnutrition. Oral nutrition supplements may have many benefits including providing additional energy and nutrients that can help prevent muscle wasting which may reduce falls, improve day to day activity levels and may help reduce readmissions to hospital2,4.
References
- Stratton RJ et al. Disease-related malnutrition: an evidence based approach to treatment. Wallingford: CABI Publishing; 2003.
- Elia M et al. The cost of disease-related malnutrition in the UK and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in adults. Redditch: BAPEN; 2005
- http://www.bapen.org.uk/malnutrition-undernutrition/introduction-to-malnutrition. Accessed March 27, 2017.
- Gandy J, Eds. Manual of Dietetic Practice. 5th ed. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2014
Do you have a question?
Contact our team of experts for guidance on the use and composition of our product range, for support with queries regarding your Nutricia account and sampling service or to get in touch with your local Nutricia representative. We are available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (except Bank Holidays)
You may also be interested in
Nutricia offers access to a wide range of support services and resources including:
- • Our free Sampling Service to order product samples and have them sent to your patients' homes.
- • A range of CPD accredited e-learning programmes.
- • Order free paper copies of our support tools for yourself or to use with your patients.
- • Sign up to receiving marketing communications and be the first to know about our free educational events & webinars, the latest scientific research and product updates.
Help us provide information most relevant to you
Please ensure your role and areas of interest are up to date.
Also on this website
About Nutricia
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Twitter
- Nutricia Ireland Limited is a company registered in the Republic of Ireland with company number 106997. VAT Number IE4800652P
- © 2024 Nutricia. All rights reserved