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Understanding the Importance of Good Nutrition

Good nutrition plays an important role in supporting overall health and wellbeing. The body relies on energy, protein, vitamins, minerals and fluids to perform everyday functions, maintain muscle mass, support recovery and help people stay active and independent.

For many people, a balanced diet can provide the nutrients needed to support daily requirements. However, during periods of illness, recovery, ageing, or increased nutritional need, meeting these requirements may become more challenging. 

What Is a Balanced Diet?

  • A balanced diet is one that provides the nutrients the body needs to function effectively. This includes:
  • Energy from carbohydrates and fats
  • Protein to support muscle maintenance and repair
  • Vitamins and minerals to support normal body functions
  • Fibre to support digestive health
  • Adequate fluid intake to support hydration
  • A variety of foods from different food groups can help contribute to meeting these nutritional requirements. 

When Meeting Nutritional Needs Becomes Difficult

Maintaining adequate nutrition is not always straightforward.

Factors such as illness, surgery, ageing, reduced appetite, swallowing difficulties, digestive issues or increased nutritional requirements can make it harder to consume or absorb enough nutrients from everyday foods.

When nutritional intake falls below the body's needs, a nutritional gap can develop. Over time, this may impact energy levels, muscle mass, strength and overall nutritional status. 

Nutrition and Maintaining Strength

Maintaining adequate nutrition, particularly protein and energy intake, is important for preserving muscle mass and supporting physical function.

Muscle health plays an important role in everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, maintaining independence and remaining active in daily life.

Combined with appropriate levels of physical activity, good nutrition can help support strength and mobility throughout life. 

Why Nutritional Status Matters:

Good nutritional status can help support:

  • Energy levels
  • Muscle strength and function
  • Recovery from illness or medical treatment
  • Mobility and independence
  • Participation in everyday activities
  • Overall quality of life

When nutritional requirements are difficult to meet through diet alone, additional nutritional support may be recommended by a healthcare professional. 
 

*Fresubin products are food for special medical purposes, to be used under supervision only.