Prevalence of risk of undernutrition is associated with poor health status in older people in the UK.

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  • Author(s): Margetts BM;Margetts BM; Thompson RL; Elia M; Jackson AA
  • Source:
    European journal of clinical nutrition [Eur J Clin Nutr] 2003 Jan; Vol. 57 (1), pp. 69-74.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Nature Publishing Group Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 8804070 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0954-3007 (Print) Linking ISSN: 09543007 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Eur J Clin Nutr Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: <2003->: London : Nature Publishing Group
      Original Publication: London : J. Libbey, c1988-
    • Subject Terms:
      Health Status* ; Nutritional Status*; Nutrition Disorders/*epidemiology; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Body Mass Index ; Chronic Disease/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Geriatric Assessment ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Male ; Nutrition Disorders/blood ; Nutrition Disorders/etiology ; Nutrition Surveys ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; United Kingdom/epidemiology
    • Abstract:
      Objectives: To establish the prevalence of the risk of undernutrition, using criteria similar to those used by the Malnutrition Advisory Group (MAG), in people aged 65 y and over, and to identify relationships between risk of undernutrition and health and demographic characteristics.
      Design: A cross-sectional nationally representative sample of free-living and institutionalized older people in the UK (65 y of age and over). Secondary analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey based on 1368 people aged 65 y and over.
      Results: About 14% (21% in those living in institutions) were at medium or high risk of undernutrition based on a composite measure of low body mass index and recent reported weight loss. Having a long-standing illness was associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of undernutrition (odds ratio: men 2.34, 95% CI 1.20-4.58; women 2.98; 1.58-5.62). The risk of undernutrition increased: in women reporting bad or very bad health status; in men living in northern England and Scotland; for those aged 85 y and older; for those hospitalized in the last year, and those living in an institution. Lower consumption of energy, meat products or fruit and vegetables and lower blood measures of zinc, vitamins A, D, E and C were associated with statistically significantly increased risk of undernutrition.
      Conclusions: A substantial proportion of the older population of the UK is at risk of undernutrition. High-risk subjects are more likely to have poorer health status. It is unlikely that the individuals at high risk are being detected currently, and therefore effective care is not being provided, either in the community or in institutions.
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20030128 Date Completed: 20030529 Latest Revision: 20161124
    • Publication Date:
      20221213
    • Accession Number:
      10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601499
    • Accession Number:
      12548299