Nutrition to address DRM and physical frailty

Nutrition to address disease related malnutrition

In case of disease, it can be difficult to achieve the optimum nutrient levels the body needs. This is evident for several micronutrients, especially for vitamin D.¹ter Borg S, et al. Br J Nutr. Published on 2015 Apr 28;113(8):1195-206 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25822905,²ter Borg S, et al. Ann Nutr Metab. Published on 2015;66(4):242-55 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26183836 Several expert groups argue the need for increased protein intake for older individuals, and especially those with malnutrition and disease.³Bauer J, et al. J Am Med Dir Assoc. Published on 2013 Aug;14(8):542-59 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23867520

Nutrition to address physical frailty

Older people with disease can enter a spiral of decline in which on-going inadequate nutrition leads to further muscle weakness. This increases their risk of becoming frail, leaving them vulnerable to stressors such as falls and fractures. Therefore, providing balanced nutrition to meet their nutritional needs is essential for their overall care. Differences in nutrient intake and status between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults were observed for protein and vitamin D amongst others.⁴Verlaan S. et al. Clinical Nutrition . Published on 2015; : 1-8 ,⁵ter Borg S, et al. JAMDA 17 . Published on (2016) 393e401 This suggests that frail older people with sarcopenia may have specific nutritional needs. If these needs are not addressed, patients risk losing their independence.