What are the key dietary interventions for managing malnutrition in elderly patients?

Key dietary interventions for managing malnutrition in elderly patients include:

• Screening for malnutrition risk using tools such as the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) on initial registration and when clinical concern arises, to identify those needing intervention ¹.
• Providing food and fluid of adequate quantity and quality in an environment conducive to eating, with appropriate support such as modified eating aids for those with chewing or swallowing difficulties ¹.
• Ensuring total nutrient intake meets energy (25-35 kcal/kg/day), protein (0.8-1.5 g/kg/day), fluid (30-35 ml/kg/day), electrolytes, minerals, micronutrients, and fibre needs, tailored to the individual’s clinical condition and activity level ¹.
• Using oral nutritional supplements when dietary intake alone is insufficient, and considering enteral or parenteral nutrition support if oral intake remains inadequate or swallowing problems exist ¹.
• Introducing nutrition support cautiously in those at risk of refeeding syndrome, starting at no more than 50% of estimated needs and increasing gradually while monitoring clinical status ¹.
• Providing multidisciplinary coordinated care involving dietitians, specialist nutrition nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize nutritional management ¹.