Malnutrition: Adults (18+)

Malnutrition: Adults (18+)

Welcome to the Medical Nutrition Therapy for Adults with Malnutrition Systematic Review
 

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), also known as undernutrition, is a cause and consequence of diseases and conditions and can impact anyone. PEM is defined as inadequate intake of protein and/or calories that results in loss of fat stores. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by a dietitian on adults with PEM. The project team focused on the following health outcomes:

• Nutrition status
• Mortality
• Length of stay
• Hospital readmissions
• Quality of Life
• Weight
• Physical Function
• Cost-Effectiveness

Key Findings:

Findings suggest that MNT may reduce the length of stay, increase weight, and improve quality of life in inpatients with protein-energy malnutrition. However, not all of the included studies and study participants contributed to each outcome analysis (low certainty of evidence). The review indicates that the impact of MNT on nutrition status, mortality, and other outcomes is largely uncertain, with conflicting results across study types and very low to low certainty of evidence for most outcomes. Improved accuracy of PEM diagnosis will enable timely MNT intervention by dietitians, appropriate nutrition strategies, and proper documentation to facilitate improved health outcomes. 

Use the links on the left to view the results of the systematic review. Expand the section below titled Project Team and Disclosures for a listing of the individuals who contributed to the development of this project, conflict of interest disclosures, and project funding information.

• Medical Nutrition Therapy for Adults with Malnutrition Systematic Review Project Team and Disclosures (2023-2024)

  The following individuals contributed their valuable time and expertise to this project:

  Content Advisors

  • Lisa Moloney, PhD, RDN
    Nutrition Researcher; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL, USA
     
  • Violeta Chacón, PhD
    Postdoctoral Research Associate; Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
     
  • Sri Lakshmi S. Devarakonda, PhD, RDN
    Research Scientist, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
     
  • Terese Scollard, MBA, RDN
    Owner, MySurgeryPlate LLC, Beaverton, OR, USA
     
  • Samira Jones, PhD, RDN
    Adjunct Professor, University of Maryland, Global Campus, Adelphi, MD, USA
     
  • Mary Rozga, PhD, RDN
    Nutrition Researcher, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL, USA
     
  • Deepa Handu, PhD, RDN
    Senior Scientific Director, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL, USA
     

  Project Manager & Methodologist

  Lisa Maloney, PhD, RDN
  Nutrition Researcher, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL, USA

  Financial Contributors

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  The views or interests of the funding bodies did not influence the development of the systematic review.

  Disclosures of Potential Conflicts of Interest

  In the interest of full disclosure, the Academy has adopted the policy of revealing relationships workgroup members have with companies that sell products or services that are relevant to this topic within 5 years of the start of the project through completion of the project. Workgroup members are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest by completing the Academy Conflict of Interest Form. It should not be assumed that these financial interests will have an adverse impact on the content, but they are noted here to fully inform readers.