malnutritierisico

Malnutritierisico is a term used to describe the risk of developing malnutrition, defined as the probability that an individual will experience inadequate nutrient intake or impaired nutrient utilization due to insufficient food, disease, or increased metabolic demands. It encompasses energy and protein balance as well as micronutrient sufficiency, recognizing that malnutrition can arise from a combination of dietary, medical, and social factors.

Several determinants influence malnutritierisico. Age, chronic illness (such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or organ failure), acute illness or surgery, inflammatory states, and mental health conditions can raise risk. Social determinants—including poverty, food insecurity, social isolation, and limited access to care—also contribute. Functional decline, swallowing disorders, dental problems, and medications that affect appetite or absorption further shape risk.

Assessment and screening aim to identify individuals at elevated risk so timely preventive actions can be taken. Common screening tools in clinical practice include the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002), and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) for older adults. Once at risk is identified, interventions may involve nutrition counseling, tailored meal planning, oral nutritional supplements, fortified foods, and, in some cases, enteral or parenteral nutrition, alongside treatment of underlying medical conditions.

Consequences of unaddressed malnutritierisico include progression to malnutrition, impaired immune function, poorer wound healing, higher infection rates, longer hospital stays, and increased morbidity and mortality. Public health strategies emphasize early screening, interdisciplinary care, and community-based programs to reduce risk and promote adequate, culturally appropriate nutrition across populations.