Malnutrition is frequently thought of as “a lack of food or proper food.” But that’s not the case. Malnutrition can occur in people of all ages—including in the developed world—with the elderly at a higher risk. It’s often overlooked or not commonly detected because people assume it can’t happen to them. This is especially unfortunate, because malnutrition is highly preventable and affects day-to-day quality of life and recovery time following health procedures or illnesses.
Many people who are working through health issues don’t realize the importance of nutrition to their recovery and health outcomes, as evidenced by the fact that at least one in three adult patients in the hospital is malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. And the effects of malnutrition go beyond feeling hungry; it can impact physical health, daily function, independence and recovery from illness, injury and surgery—with profound effects on society and governments.
With rising healthcare costs, governments, hospitals and payers are looking for ways to effectively address health issues while reducing costs—a theme that Rob Miller, Abbott Nutrition Divisional Vice-President of Scientific Affairs and R&D, wrote about recently in an op-ed article in U.S. News & World Report.
As a leader in nutritional products, Abbott is dedicated to combating malnutrition. We are providing high-quality therapeutic nutrition products that can help improve patient care in a cost-effective manner. We are also conducting research on the impact nutrition can have on health outcomes.
To read more about our studies and partnerships and their implications on preventing and treating malnutrition in people of all ages, click on any of the links below:
- Infographic: What if the World Was Better Nourished?
- Effect of Oral Nutritional Supplementation on Hospital Outcomes
- Impact of Oral Nutrition Supplements on Hospital Outcomes in Pediatric Patients
- Oral Nutrition Supplements’ Impact on Hospital Outcomes in the Context of Affordable Care Act and New Medicare Reimbursement Policies
- Alliance to Advance Patient Nutrition
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