Malnutrition

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition is undernutrition or inadequate intake of energy, protein and/or nutrients that result in fat loss and/or muscle wasting over prolonged periods of time. Malnutrition improves with intake.

What it is not … cachexia

Cachexia is weakness and wasting of the body due to severe chronic illness. Cachexia does not improve with intake.

Causes of malnutrition

Why is it a concern?

  • 45% of patients admitted to Canadian hospitals are malnourished.
  • 40-60% of people living in long term care are malnourished.
  • Malnutrition increases hospital stay.

What is your role?

Your Malnutrition Toolkits

PowerPoint Presentations:

Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (INPAC)


Optimize Intake:

 To find out more

Performance Measures:

Websites: