Malnutrition and Consequences
Learn to spot the signs
Malnutrition can affect everyone
We often only notice inadequate nutrition when a skirt suddenly becomes too loose or a belt no longer holds our trousers up properly. But tiredness, lethargy and stress can also be indications of deficiencies. Inadequate nutrition often happens gradually.
Any diet that does not cover our nutritional requirements bears the risk of poor nutrition. So even in the industrialised countries, inadequate nutrition and deficiencies of some nutrients are widespread.
Poor nutrition can be undernutrition (not getting enough nutrients) or overnutrition (getting more nutrients than needed). It is not only the quantity of energy (calories) taken that is important. The quantity and quality of protein, fat and carbohydrates consumed also plays a major role, and an adequate supply of vital nutrients such as minerals and vitamins are essential to maintaining a good nutritional status.
Who is at increased risk?
- Elderly people living alone or in care homes
- Adults after a stroke
- People with neurological conditions such as dementia or Parkinson's disease
- People with: problems chewing or swallowing, loss of appetite or immobility, psychological stress or depression, a changed sense of taste, medications
What are warning signs?
- Unintentional weight loss in the past 3 – 6 months
- Weak muscles
- Feeling tired all the time
- Low mood
- An increase in illness or infections
Factors that may affect your dietary intake
Metabolism
Simply put, your metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that help keep your body alive. It also determines how many calories you burn per day. The faster your metabolism the more calories you burn. Our metabolism (the rate at which the body burns calories) slows as we age. We recognize changes in the body including muscle loss, thinner skin and less stomach acid, which can affect the absorption of nutrients such as essential vitamins. Older adults generally need fewer calories. However, their nutrient needs are just as high or higher than when they were younger. That’s why eating a nutrient rich diet becomes extremely important.
Medication side effects
Some diseases as well as medications may cause reduced appetite and digestive issues.
Oral dental problems
Older people with poorly fitting dentures, missing teeth or dental problems may have trouble chewing and swallowing. If eating becomes too difficult or unpleasant because of dental problems, many older adults may get discouraged to eat. Both physical diseases and changing mental abilities may prevent you from shopping, cooking, using knife and fork, or even remembering to eat at all.
Taste and smell
Your sense of smell and taste change as you age. Lack of sensation while eating may make certain foods unappetizing and not flavorful leading to reduced nutritional intake. The aroma of a delicious meal is what causes you to long for a taste. If food suddenly does not smell or taste as it once did, you may not eat as much as you should. You may experience changes in taste sensations and flavor preferences due to reduced sensitivity to salty and bitter tastes.
Depression
Older adults go through many major life changes. These changes can make them more vulnerable to depression. Low mood may lead to a lack of desire to prepare or eat meals.
