Malnutrition

Overview

Older adults living alone are at higher risk.

Malnutrition can happen with too little food, illnesses that affect appetite or absorption, depression, or trouble chewing and swallowing.

Older adults may lose weight and muscle without anyone noticing.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Weight loss and weakness
• Losing weight without trying

Less common

• Slow wound healing
• Feeling cold

When to get medical care

Causes

Low intake, illness.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults

Diagnosis

A clinician checks weight and labs.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests:

Treatment

Get help.

Self-care

• See a dietitian
• Ask about food programs like SNAP
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Add protein to each meal

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Regular meals
• Check on older relatives who live alone

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• A registered dietitian can help plan meals.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: Highest risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Treatment can restore strength and weight.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should I see a dietitian?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Malnutrition