How to avoid malnutrition during hospitalization?

Abstract

Doctors often consider malnutrition as a set of symptoms rather than being a state of nourishment. Consequently, the nutrition of patients without obvious signs of malnutrition is often neglected. Among all categories of patients, unrecognized malnutrition at admission or under-feeding during hospitalization are everyday occurrences. Dietary records of hospitalized patients often show energy intakes well below their calculated BMR and their need for an increased supply of essential nutrients, such as protein, is seldom met. The significance of food preparation, food distribution and ward staff attitudes for proper feeding of the patients is discussed and the responsibility of the doctors for the nutritional care of every patient is stressed.