{"id":8950,"date":"2023-12-18T17:06:48","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T17:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/b2b.revogan.be\/science-hub\/malnutrition\/"},"modified":"2025-05-28T12:19:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T12:19:48","slug":"malnutrition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/b2b.revogan.be\/en\/science-hub\/malnutrition\/","title":{"rendered":"Malnutrition"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Malnutrition<\/h1>\n

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What is malnutrition? What is sarcopenia?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”darkgreen”]The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) defines malnutrition as: \u201cAn acute or chronic condition in which a deficiency or imbalance of energy, protein and other nutrients leads to measurable adverse effects on body composition, function and clinical outcomes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

In other words, malnutrition results from an inadequate nutritional intake relative to the body’s increased needs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Malnutrition is not only noticeable trough weight loss. A loss of muscle strength, mass and function can also be a cause or consequence of malnutrition. This loss of muscle is called sarcopenia. It is therefore quite possible to be overweight and malnourished at the same time.<\/p>\n

An estimated 25% of people over the age of 70 and 40% of those over 80 amay have sarcopenia.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1746539555185{margin-bottom: 0% !important;background-color: #fdf4e5 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”opensans darkgreen weight300″]<\/p>\n

Malnutrition underestimated<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”darkgreen” css=”.vc_custom_1746539644150{margin-bottom: 0% !important;}”]Malnutrition is a major problem across all segments of healthcare.<\/p>\n

Malnutrition leads to weight loss, a reduction in muscle mass and a decrease in muscle strength, resulting in limited mobility and a loss of independence. The problem of malnutrition has many causes. People with swallowing disorders and dysphagia are at higher risk, and women are more susceptible to malnutrition than men. Cancers (NKO), dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease… as well as financial and emotional concerns, both at home and in care facilities, can contribute to poor nutritional status.<\/p>\n

Rapid and systematic detection, prevention and treatment of malnutrition are absolute essential, whether the malnutrition is age-related or disease-related.<\/p>\n

ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) has established clear guidelines for this: GLIM (Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition) and DRM (Disease-related Malnutrition).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1746540111763{margin-top: 0% !important;margin-bottom: 3% !important;background-color: #fdf4e5 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3735″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”3738″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1704718984910{margin-bottom: 3% !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”opensans darkgreen weight300″]<\/p>\n

Impaired function due to aging and illness<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”opensans darkgreen”]As we grow older, the functioning of our body slows down or becomes disrupted. Our body becomes less efficient at performing basic functions and we begin to develop both physical and physiological problems:<\/p>\n

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  1. Reduced resistance to infections due to a decrease in lymphocytes.<\/li>\n
  2. Poorer absorption of nutrients caused by digestive disorders, diarrhea and\/or constipation, and a deteriorated state of the small intestinal vili, which are necessary for nutrient absorption.<\/li>\n
  3. Weaker bones and increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.<\/li>\n
  4. Less flexible movement due to joint calcification.<\/li>\n
  5. Balance problems and delayed reflexes due to nervous system disorders.<\/li>\n
  6. Fatigue and reduced breathing capacity due to diminished or slower function of the heart, lungs, ….<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Fragility or frailty of the elderly<\/h2>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”opensans darkgreen”]Frailty (fragility) is a syndrome characterized by reduced resilience and diminished reserves, in which a progressive decline acrosse multiple organ systems results in a negative energy balance, reduced skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia) and reduced strength.<\/p>\n

    Nearly 40% of people over the age of 65 show signs of frailty. A clear decline in muscle strength is often observed, and\/or a decrease in physical activity, and\/or slower walking speed, and\/or increased fatigue, and\/or unintentional weight loss. Early detection is essential, as this stage is still reversible.
    \nTo prevent frailty in the elderly, it is recommended to consume between 1,900 and 2,300 kcal of nutrients<\/u><\/strong> per day and to increase protein intake to 1 g per kg per day<\/u><\/strong>. If fragility is not treated in time, there is a risk of malnutrition, which can lead to dependency.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1747638592649{margin-top: 0% !important;margin-bottom: 0% !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #87bfd3 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5\/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1708635845973{background-image: url(https:\/\/b2b.revogan.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Principale_GettyImages-155387160-scaled-1.jpg?id=1173) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”7\/12″ css=”.vc_custom_1704726031031{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”opensans white weight300″]<\/p>\n

    Nutritional needs in malnutrition<\/h2>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”opensans white”]Nutrition must be both enriched and well-balanced.<\/p>\n