Why do older adults develop malnutrition?

Many older adults are at risk of developing malnutrition – a lack of adequate nutrition to maintain health (Moreira et al. 2016). Poor appetite is strongly related to developing malnutrition (van der Pols-Vijlbrief et al. 2014). Problems with swallowing may also lead to lower food intake and risk of malnutrition (Mann, Heuberger, and Wong 2013). Older adults who care for themselves may have problems purchasing and transporting food to their homes and may have difficulties preparing nutritious meals. Taking many medications contributes to malnutrition risk, due to side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal complaints (Moreira et al. 2016). Malnutrition can also result from diseases or health conditions that cause problems with the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

Why are we concerned about malnutrition?

Malnutrition in older adults, particularly those in care homes, can lead to many serious health problems (Agarwal et al. 2016). The consequences of malnutrition include: 

• infections
• pneumonia
• falls and fractures
• digestive disorders
• skin breakdown, pressure sores
• confusion, memory problems

Malnutrition in older adults may lead to poor quality of life and contribute to higher care needs, hospitalization, and increased health care costs. Improving nutrition in older adults may lead to:

• Briefer illnesses
• Fewer and shorter hospital stays
• Fewer complications
• Improved functional status
• More independent living
• Improved quality of life

What nutrients are most needed to prevent malnutrition?

Energy and Protein

When weight loss happens, total food intake and energy (calories) are inadequate. This leads to loss of body fat and muscle. Loss of muscle leads to weakness and mobility issues (Bollwein et al. 2013). Loss of body fat means there is less energy stored in the event of illness and less "padding" which may cause discomfort and an increased risk of pressure sores (Compher et al. 2007).

Older adults with higher protein intakes have a lower risk of becoming frail (Rahi et al. 2016). Foods high in protein, such as meat, poultry, and fish are recommended. However, some meats may be difficult to chew for those with dental issues or dry mouth. Meats, then, may need to be ground and moistened with gravies to encourage intake.

Dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are recommended to improve protein and calorie intake (Iuliano, Woods, and Robbins 2013).

Eggs and meat alternates such as beans are also encouraged. These foods are good sources of protein and are usually easy to chew and swallow.

In addition to protein, added fat may be needed to increase calories, prevent further weight loss, and encourage weight gain if needed. Adding fats may improve the flavor of foods and may also ease swallowing.

Vitamins and Minerals

Older adults often have low intakes of many vitamins and minerals. For example, folate, magnesium, zinc, and Vitamins E, B₆, B₁₂, C, and thiamin may be low in older adults living in nursing homes (Lengyel, Whiting, and Zello 2008).

Older adults may need to take a vitamin and mineral supplement or consume nutritional beverages or pudding supplements with added vitamins and minerals to meet their needs.

What are the vitamin deficiencies of greatest concern?

Vitamin D

Most older adults have intakes of vitamin D below the recommended level (Amed et al 2021). Foods naturally rich in vitamin D are limited (fatty fish, egg yolks, and some mushrooms). Vitamin D is made in our skin following exposure to sunlight. However, this process decreases with aging and many older adults spend most of their time indoors. Public health warnings against sun exposure have also encouraged people to avoid the sun.

Vitamin D inadequacy occurs frequently in older adults, especially those that live in nursing homes (Rolland et al 2013). Low intakes of vitamin D are related to an increased risk of hip fractures (Wang et al 2020), as well as muscle weakness and pain (Charoenngam et al 2019). As diet alone cannot meet vitamin D requirements for older adults, supplements are required (Whiting and Calvo 2010).

Vitamin B₁₂

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is very common in older adults. This is a serious deficiency as it leads to anemia as well as depression and irreversible dementia (Sahu et al 2022).

B₁₂ deficiency in older adults is often due to problems absorbing the vitamin B₁₂ found naturally in foods such as fish, meat, eggs, and milk. Low dietary intake of B₁₂, such as when a vegan diet is consumed without supplementation, also results in deficiency. Supplements providing B12 are often recommended for older adults.

What can caregivers do?

As a caregiver or family member of an older adult, there are several steps you can take to prevent malnutrition. If you notice weight loss or reduced food intake, try the following tips.

• Prepare meals high in protein, including foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and beans.
• If you notice difficulty chewing, try soft, moist foods and cut up/ground meat.
• Offer foods with added fats to increase caloric intake and enhance flavor.
• Offer nutritious snacks or nutritional supplements between meals.

Where can I get more information?

The UF/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent at your local UF/IFAS Extension office may have more information and classes for you to attend. More information about UF/IFAS Extension can be found at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/. Also, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can provide reliable information to you.

References

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Ahmed, M., A. Praneet Ng, and M.R. L'Abbe. 2021. “Nutrient intakes of Canadian adults: results from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)-2015 Public Use Microdata File.” Am J Clin Nutr 114(3):1131-1140. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab143.

Bollwein, J., D. Volkert, R. Diekmann, M. J. Kaiser, W. Uter, K. Vidal, C. C. Sieber, and J. M. Bauer. 2013. "Nutritional status according to the mini nutritional assessment (MNA(R)) and frailty in community dwelling older persons: a close relationship." J Nutr Health Aging 17 (4):351–6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0009-8.

Charoenngam, N., A. Shirvani, and M.F. Holick. 2019. “Vitamin D for skeletal and non-skeletal health: What we should know.” J Clin Orthop Trauma 10(6):1082-1093. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2019.07.004. Epub 2019 Jul 13. PMID: 31708633; PMCID: PMC6834997.

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