Malnutrition in the Elderly: Learn How to Reconize and Prevent It

A Concern for All Older Adults

If you think malnutrition is something that only happens to the low income or the severely underweight, think again. In those over 65, malnutrition is a widespread and serious problem even among those with adequate income and normal body weight.

In the U.S., the 1993 Nutrition Screening Initiative estimated some 44% of mature adults living independently were likely to be malnourished. A 2007 study conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia found that some 80% of elderly patients admitted to the hospital were malnourished or at risk for malnourishment. Among the most common nutrients, older adults have been found to be deficient in calcium, zinc, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

Why the Elderly are at Risk

A combination of factors puts mature adults at a high risk for malnutrition. The most common cause is age-related loss of appetite, which means many elderly aren’t even getting enough calories, much less nutrients. Chronic health conditions can also be a factor. Poorly controlled diabetes, for instance, can lead to magnesium deficiency. Conditions that cause cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, mean some older adults simply forget to eat. Those with arthritis or balance problems may have trouble preparing nourishing meals and opt for convenience foods instead. Medications can also rob the body of vital nutrients. For example, many common arthritis pain killers deplete folic acid.

Just Old Age or Something More?

Not only are the elderly more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, they’re less likely to receive proper treatment when symptoms appear. That’s because many signs of malnutrition mimic health complaints that are easy to write off as “just part of getting old.”

A deficiency in vitamin C, B12, or folic acid can lead to easy bruising. Low levels of zinc can cause hair loss and impair the immune system. Selenium deficiency can result in fatigue and memory problems. Those getting too little magnesium may feel weak or become confused and disoriented. Calcium depletion, which sometimes occurs in those taking diuretic medications, can also cause mental confusion.

Just like old age itself, malnutrition symptoms like weakness, poor memory, and easy bruising come on so slowly that often neither the older adult themselves nor their friends and family suspect anything serious. Even medical professionals can overlook malnutrition in the elderly as a cause of health problems.

Prevention is Within Easy Reach

If not treated, malnutrition can drag the mature adult into a downward spiral of increasingly poor health and increasingly poor nutrition. Fortunately though, malnutrition in the elderly is easy to prevent. While multivitamins and other nutritional supplements can help, the first line of defense consists of nothing more complicated than adequate calories from a well balanced diet.

Older adults with poor appetites can make things easier by creating a diet plan based on small meals of calorie-rich, nutrient-dense foods. With the right combination of foods, this isn’t hard to do. Beans, legumes, and nuts like almonds and cashews provide both protein and magnesium. Whole grains are rich in B-complex vitamins. Oysters and beef contain high levels of zinc. Oranges are a good source of folic acid, but for vitamin C, fresh red peppers, broccoli, and rose hip tea are actually better options.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

For those over 65, paying close attention to diet is critical for good health. Because older adults are at such high risk for malnutrition, preventing malnutrition in the elderly takes conscious planning to ensure the diet supplies sufficient calories and nutrients. With a little forethought, many older adults can avoid serious nutrition-related health problems and even stave off some of the typical complaints of old age.

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Resources

High Rates of Malnutrition in Elderly, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, May 2007

1 in 4 of the Elderly are Ill Fed, Poll Says, New York Times, April 27, 1993

Many Elderly at Nutritional Risk, John P. Weimer, Food Review, January-April 1997

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Factsheets

Drugs That Deplete: Vitamin B9 (folic acid), University of Maryland Medical Center