Malnutrition
Malnutrition (undernutrition) is inadequate intake, absorption or use of energy, protein or micronutrients that impairs function and clinical outcomes; identify it with validated screening, find the cause and provide safe, individualised nutrition support.
Definition
Malnutrition in this chapter means adult undernutrition: inadequate intake or uptake of energy, protein or micronutrients causing altered body composition, impaired physical or mental function or worse clinical outcomes. It includes people who are malnourished and those at risk because of poor intake, malabsorption, losses or increased requirements.
First principles
Malnutrition is more than low weight
Undernutrition can result from inadequate intake, impaired absorption, increased losses or increased requirements. Weight and BMI are useful signals, but recent weight loss, reduced intake, muscle function, disease burden, swallowing safety and social circumstances determine the clinical problem. A person can be malnourished without appearing dramatically thin.
This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.