Why is Nutrition Important?
An adequate, balanced diet is important to ensure that a person has all the nutrients they need for energy, growth, recovery, and to go about day-to-day activities. During times of illness, injury, or due to certain medical conditions, people can experience poor appetite which may lead to a poor dietary intake. This can result in unintentional weight loss and undernutrition or malnutrition.
To find out more about the causes, consequences and management of malnutrition, you can find more information below.
Managing Malnutrition
In order to fully understand malnutrition, it is important to learn about the causes, symptoms and consequences of this condition. This will further your understanding of how to help prevent and manage malnutrition.
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Causes
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Consequences
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Unintentional weight loss
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Reduced appetite and lack of interest in food and drink
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Fatigue and low in energy
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Feeling weak and getting ill often
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Taking a long time to recover, heal or regain energy
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Not growing or putting on weight at the expected rate (children)
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Poor concentration and changes in mood
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What to do?
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Always seek assessment and advice by a trained medical professional, such as your GP. Depending on the issue, your GP may refer on to a specialist service, to provide more specific treatment e.g., a speech and language therapist if you are if you are experiencing swallowing difficulties, or a dietitian if you need further advice on meeting your nutritional requirements.
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Eat a balanced diet containing energy (calories), protein, carbohydrates, fat and vitamins and minerals.
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Eat little and often (e.g., frequent smaller meals with snacks in between)
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Choose meals that are enjoyable and are easy to prepare (these may include foods that are tinned, frozen, ready-made, or delivered to your door)
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Choose foods that are naturally high in energy and protein (e.g., full fat dairy options, nuts and seeds)
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Add additional calories to your food and drinks (e.g., cream, cheese, syrups, butter and high calorie sauces)
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Oral nutritional supplements can be used if you continue to struggle to meet your nutritional requirements. They can help to increase energy (calories) and protein intake.
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Always speak to a Healthcare Professional if you are suffering from a poor appetite, reduced dietary intake or unintentional weight loss and follow the advice they provide.
Making the most of your meals
If you have a poor appetite, you may be advised to boost the energy (calories) and protein content of the foods and fluids you are consuming. This can be done by making small, simple changes.
Here are some ideas:
✓ Adding high energy and protein foods such as cheese, butter and cream, to soups, mashed potatoes, sauces and other dishes.
✓ Using full fat milk instead of low fat or skimmed milk.
✓ Adding sugar, syrups and honey to desserts, cereals and drinks.
✓ Adding oral nutritional supplements to suitable foods and drinks- Take a look at our recipes page for more guidance on this.
