Medicines for Malnutrition

What it is

Malnutrition means that the body is not getting the right balance of nutrients it needs to be healthy. Although the term can include getting too much of certain nutrients, it most commonly refers to undernutrition — not getting enough energy (calories), protein, and other nutrients. Malnutrition is more common than many people realise, particularly in certain groups: older people; people with long-term illnesses or conditions that affect appetite, eating, digestion, or the body’s needs (such as cancer, digestive conditions, or conditions causing difficulty swallowing); people recovering from serious illness or surgery; and people in situations that affect access to or intake of food. It can develop gradually and be easy to overlook. The signs of malnutrition can include: unintentional weight loss; clothes, rings, or dentures becoming loose; reduced appetite and eating less; tiredness, weakness, and low energy; feeling low in mood; getting ill more often or taking longer to recover (as malnutrition can weaken the immune system); poor wound healing; and, in children, not growing or gaining weight as expected. Malnutrition matters because it affects health and recovery — it can lead to weakness, increased risk of infections and complications, slower recovery from illness, reduced quality of life, and, in children, effects on growth and development. The important and encouraging point is that malnutrition can be improved by ensuring the person gets enough of the right nutrients, along with identifying and treating any underlying cause. Treatment ranges from dietary advice and support with eating and drinking, through to nutritional supplements and, in some cases, other forms of feeding, depending on the situation. Because malnutrition can be overlooked, recognising the signs — particularly in those at higher risk — and seeking help are important. The key messages are that malnutrition (usually undernutrition) affects health and recovery, that it is common in certain groups but can be overlooked, and that it is treatable by improving nutrition and addressing the cause.

How it is treated

Malnutrition is treated by ensuring the person gets enough of the right nutrients, supporting their eating and drinking, and identifying and treating any underlying cause. The first step is often recognising malnutrition, or the risk of it, particularly in those at higher risk (such as older people, or those with long-term illness or reduced appetite) — screening tools are used in healthcare settings, and unintentional weight loss, reduced appetite, or looking or feeling weaker should prompt assessment. Treatment is tailored to the person and the cause, and may include: dietary advice and support to increase intake of energy and nutrients — for example eating little and often, choosing nourishing foods and drinks, fortifying food (adding extra calories and protein to meals), and practical help with shopping, cooking, or eating where needed; support for any difficulties with eating (such as help with swallowing problems, dental problems, or physical difficulties); nutritional supplement drinks, where dietary measures are not enough, often on the advice of a dietitian; and, in certain situations where a person cannot eat or absorb enough (for example some serious illnesses), other forms of feeding (such as tube feeding) under specialist care. A dietitian often plays a key role in assessing and guiding treatment. Importantly, identifying and treating any underlying cause is central — for example managing a condition affecting appetite or digestion, treating an illness, addressing swallowing or dental problems, or supporting someone whose circumstances affect their eating — as this addresses the root of the problem. Monitoring (such as weight) helps track progress. Preventing malnutrition, particularly in at-risk groups, through good nutrition, support, and attention to eating, is worthwhile. The reassuring messages are that malnutrition is common but often overlooked, that it can be improved by increasing intake of the right nutrients (with support and supplements where needed) and treating the underlying cause, and that a dietitian and other support can help — so recognising the signs and seeking help, particularly for those at higher risk, is important.