Overcoming protein-energy malnutrition in older adults in the residential care setting: A narrative review of causes and interventions

Malnutrition, in particular protein-energy malnutrition, is a highly prevalent condition older adults, and associated with low muscle mass function, increased prevalence of physical frailty. Malnutrition often exacerbated the residential care setting due to factors including lack dentition appetite, dementia dysphagia. This review aims provide an overview available literature adults regarding following: links between sarcopenia, frailty, malnutrition (in particular, (PEM)), recognition diagnosis contributing PEM, effectiveness different forms protein supplementation oral nutritional (ONS) protein-fortified foods (PFF)) target PEM. found consensus on effective diagnostic tools universal requirement for screening setting, making identifying treating this population challenge. When assessing use two primary were ONS PFF. There evidence that PFF increase energy intakes yet compliance their impact functional status unclear conflicting. Further research comparing needed fully determine feasibility efficacy setting.