|
With the growing awareness on the adverse
effects of malnutrition, physicians and allied health personnel now have
a better understanding of the importance of identifying patients at risk
and introducing proactive measures before malnutrition sets in. Usually,
in the early stages of a disease, there is a "window opportunity" to put
in place appropriate corrective steps to prevent malnutrition before it
becomes a more serious problem.
Providing nutritional support to high-risk
individuals helps to increase body weight and prolong life. It also
improves immune functions and muscle bulk, resulting in better muscle
function, strength and allows the individual to be independent in terms
of mobility.
What is nutritional support?
Nutritional support is providing essential
nutrients to the body by special means other than through normal foods
in the diet. Oral nutritional support is now commercially available.
However, the formulations of different brands may vary in terms of
nutrient content, taste, acceptability and cost. These products can be
given as a meal supplement or as a meal replacement.
|
