MALNUTRITION
Malnutrition in hospitals was first diagnosed over 20 years ago despite this awareness it remains a significant problem in our hospitals today. It is estimated that ~ 50% of hospital patients are malnourished. A number of studies have been carried out in this field most famously that of McWhirter and Pennington which was published in 1994
There are several causes of malnutrition these include: ·
- Anorexia/ Loss of appetite
- Mechanical e.g. Dysphagia, ill-fitting dentures
- Metabolic e.g. cancer cachexia
- Socio-economic e.g. Poverty, Living alone
- Malabsorption
- Old age
- Hospitalisation
Clinical consequences of malnutrition:
- Loss of muscle strength
- Increased risk of fractures
- Increased incidence of pressure sores
- Delayed wound healing
- Impaired immune and hormone function
- Post surgical complication
The increased hospital stay required to treat the above complications also puts a significant financial strain on the NHS.
Managing Malnutrition:
The key steps are:
- Recognition of malnutrition/ risk
- Choose an appropriate method of nutritional support
- Monitor nutritional status
Methods include:
- Anthropometric measurements e.g. Body Mass Index
- Validated Screening Tools e.g.
Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) &
Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)
Methods of nutritional support:
- Provide small frequent meals to maximise intake
- Fortify foods :- Add butter, cream, milk powder, cheese or Build-up Original to normal foods/ drinks
- Try Nourishing drinks/ Supplements between meals e.g - Build-up or Clinutren
Monitor nutritional status:
- Regular weight checks
- Reassess using a screening tool
- Take appropriate action
Products and Literature:
Nestle Clinutren Range
Nestle Clinutren Fruit
Nestle Clinutren 1.5
Nestle Clinutren ISO
Nestle Clinutren Dessert
Nestle Caloreen
