focus A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E
Tackling malnutrition with better compliance to oral nutritional supplements Malnutrition is a major public health issue in Australia which leads to poor quality of life and health outcomes.1 Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) can provide an evidence-based solution. Defining malnutrition Increasingly, malnutrition is recognised as a health risk to patients and an economic burden.1 The prevalence is high, with up to 1 in 2 hospitalised adults and 2 in 3 adults in residential care facilities.2 Malnutrition can be caused by reduced food intake, nutrient malabsorption and/or losses and disease-associated inflammation.4,5 It effects a person’s risk of infections, falls, pressure injuries and hospitalistion, but also adversely effects quality of life and function.4,5 Identification is key to prevent and treat malnutrition and routine screening is recommended across community and clinical settings with the use of a validated screening tool.2
Best practice in managing malnutrition A comprehensive plan for treatment is recommended addressing problems contributing to malnutrition. Oral Nutritional
The five diagnostic criteria for malnutrition according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM):4 • • • • •
Weight loss Low body mass index (BMI) Reduced muscle mass Reduced food intake or assimilation Disease burden/inflammation