Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients. Signs of malnutrition include weight loss, increased tiredness and poor wound healing.
If you or someone you know is at risk of malnutrition it is important to recognise and treat early.
Calculate the risk of malnutrition for you or someone you know.
There are many causes of malnutrition including loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and changes to taste and smell. If left untreated, malnutrition can cause loss of muscle strength, increased risk of infection and low mood.
If you are in the community and are worried that you or someone you know is at risk of malnutrition, take a look at the following resources. If weight loss continues or you have already lost a lot of weight without meaning to, please speak with your GP and they may refer you to a community dietitian.
For ways to increase energy and protein intake at home, click on the below links:
- High Protein Foods
- The importance of protein
- Increasing Energy and Protein intake
- Malnutrition: Food Fact Sheet
For ways to increase variety in your diet, click on the below links:
- Fruit and vegetables – how to get five-a-day
- Information on Iron
- Information on Vitamin D
- Information on Fibre
- Do I need supplements?
- Eat Well, Spend Less
If you or someone you know is in hospital take a look at the following resources.
For ways to increase energy and protein intake in hospital:
Additional information
For information on nutrition and COVID 19: Malnutrition Pathway COVID-19 Leaflets
For information on malnutrition and specific conditions: www.malnutritionpathway.co.uk/specific-resources
For information on diet and specific conditions:
www.bda.uk.com/food-health/food-facts.html
www.bda.uk.com/resource/pressure-ulcers-pressure-sores-diet.html
Contact Nutrition & Dietetics
Kendon House, Kendon Way, Southmead Hospital Bristol
Telephone: 0117 4145428