Malnutrition (undernutrition) is caused by a lack of nutrients, either because of a poor diet/appetite or problems absorbing sufficient nutrients from food. The dietitian can provide support to improve your nutritional intake and manage any related symptoms that may be having an impact on your nutritional intake.
Common signs of malnutrition include:
- unintentional weight loss – losing 5% to 1% or more of weight over 3 to 6 months is one of the main signs of malnutrition
- a low body weight – people with a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5 are at risk of being malnourished (use the BMI calculator to work out your BMI)
- a lack of interest in eating and drinking
- feeling tired all the time
- feeling weak
- getting ill often and taking a long time to recover
Find out more from the NHS about malnutrition and how to check if you are losing too much weight..
Practical ways of using food to treat undernutrition
Nourishing snacks
Try to have a small nourishing snack at least twice a day to try to prevent weight loss or help you gain weight
Nourishing snack ideas (containing around 150kcal)
- slice of malt loaf
- cheese and biscuits,
- small bowl full fat Greek yogurt.
- handful of nuts
One slice of malt loaf is the same amount calories as four plain biscuits. Your dietitian can provide further guidance on examples of nourishing snacks suitable for your dietary requirements (e.g. for Diabetes, Cardio protective diets and for those needing soft or pureed textures).
Nourishing drinks
Try to have at least two nourishing drinks through the day. You could replace lower calorie drinks with some of the below ideas for more nourishing drinks. Did you know a cup of milky coffee made with full cream milk is the same amount of calories as eight cups of tea?
Nourishing drinks ideas are:
- milky coffee (115kcal)
- milky hot chocolate (155kcal)
- or fortified milkshake (285kcal)
Fortify your meals using everyday foods
Adding small quantities of everyday foods can which increases the nutrient content without increasing the portion size.
- Try adding 1 heaped tablespoon of skimmed milk powder to a glass of milk, milky coffee or hot chocolate, to increase the energy and protein.
Multivitamin/mineral supplement
A general multivitamin and mineral supplement may also be helpful, available from any pharmacy over the counter. Seek advice from a pharmacist.
Snacks and nourishing drink ideas for hospital patients
When you are unwell it is important to eat foods high in protein and energy to prevent loss of muscle (sarcopenia) and help with recovery, especially if:
- you are underweight or are losing weight without trying
- you are unable to eat enough due to poor appetite or nausea
- you have higher energy and protein needs
Aim for three meals and 2-3 snacks/nourishing drinks per day. Don’t rely on your appetite, try to eat something every 2-3 hours. Keep snacks within easy reach and ask visitors to bring in your favourite snacks.