Malnutrition
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a serious problem1 and a large proportion of patients are diagnosed as being malnourished when they are assessed on admission to hospital. 20–50% of institutionalized patients are malnourished2. A study published in the Clinical Nutrition Journal estimates that 33 million people are at risk of malnutrition in Europe and the estimated cost is 170 billion euros per year3.
There are several factors that often lead to malnutrition. Age, dementia, psychiatric conditions, chronic lifestyle diseases, difficulty of living alone, impaired general health and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) are well-known causes of malnutrition. Malnutrition increases the risk of complications, affects the immune system, and increases the risk of infections.
Nutritional treatment of malnutrition
Omega-3 and vitamin D have been shown to have a positive effect on the immune function. The acidity from juice stimulates salivation and may stimulate the appetite. Using nutritional supplements may:
- increase muscle function and strength
- reduce infections
- reduce ill-health
- reduce mortality
- increase the quality of life and provide a greater sense of well-being.
Malnutrition is often characterized by an unbalanced consumption of food products. In order to avoid malnutrition, it is important to maintain a varied diet containing all the nutrients the body needs. Smartfish Medical Nutrition products consist of a well-balanced ratio of fat, carbohydrates and protein, as well as micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) naturally occurring from the ingredients. Especially important is the content of the marine Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which are considered essential fatty acids, meaning they only come through the diet.
Relevant studies
Below is a list of relevant studies. For a complete list of relevant studies for Smartfish products, visit R&D.
- A 12-week Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Randomised Pilot Study Assessing Safety and Tolerability of Nutrifriend Cachexia in Patients Diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with Involuntary Weight Loss
- A 12-Week, Randomised, Placebo Controlled, Multi-Centre, Parallel Group Study Assessing the Safety and Tolerability of Nutrifriend Cachexia (Non-Complete Dietary Formula) in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Related products
NutriFriend®1100 is an oral nutritional supplement (1.0 kcal/ml), high in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, with increased vitamin D content, with whey protein and fruit juices. For the dietary management of disease related malnutrition, particularly patients who may benefit from an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, vitamin D and energy.
Remune® is an oral nutritional supplement (1.1 kcal/ml), high in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, with increased vitamin D content, with whey protein and fruit juices. For the dietary management of disease related malnutrition, including pre-cachexia and cachexia particularly due to COPD or lung cancer. For patients who may benefit from an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, vitamin D and energy.
References
- Mowé, M., Behandling av underernæring hos eldre pasienter. Tidskrift for den norske legeforening, 2002(122): p. 815-118. ↩︎
- WHO. What is malnutrition? 2016; Available from: https://www.who.int/features/qa/malnutrition/en/ ↩︎
- Elia, M., et al., A systematic review of the cost and cost effectiveness of using standard oral nutritional supplements in community and care home settings. Clinical Nutrition, 2016. 35(1): p. 125-137. ↩︎