The basic treatment of malnutrition is to treat an underlying disease and to supplement the deficiency. Unless the underlying disease is treated, supplementation will not be beneficial.
Malnutrition should be treated under the supervision of a healthcare professional such as a physician or dietitian. Severe cases can be followed in the hospital, other cases at home.
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Food supplements
Nutritional supplementation for breastfeeding mothers is important in terms of milk formation and nutrition of the baby. In addition to food, vitamin and mineral supplements should also be made. It is stated that micronutrient supplementation is also beneficial in pregnant, lactating women and young people. It is important to eliminate acute deficiency, especially in societies where access to food is difficult.
In the treatment of malnutrition, diet plans can be made in the form of inter-meal nutrition if needed.
Detection of malnutrition type
The type of malnutrition and the degree of malnutrition are determined as a result of examination findings, body mass index calculations, anthropometric measurements, examinations, bone development measurements, etc. Accordingly, protein and energy supplements that need to be given emerge.
Medical treatment
If there is an underlying disease, it should be treated or controlled. For this, the support of the relevant specialty should be obtained.
Ready-made support packages are used in the treatment of acute deficiencies. There are ready-made products for salt water supplementation, especially in children with diarrhea.
Antibiotics are used for infections. Intravenous fluid supplementation is given in fluid losses.
The stages of medical support in acute deficiencies are:
- Prevent or treat dehydration
- Prevent or treat low blood sugar,
- Prevent or treat low body temperature,
- Prevent or treat infection,
- Correct electrolyte imbalances,
- Correct micronutrient deficiencies,
- Begin to feed carefully,
- Get captured growth,
- Provide psychological support
Dietary changes and supplements
A dietitian can create a custom diet plan that ensures you get enough nutrients.
They may also suggest:
- A healthier, more balanced diet
- Eating “fortified” foods that contain extra nutrients
- Snacking between meals
- Having drinks that contain a lot of calories
If these measures are not sufficient, it may be recommended to take extra nutrients in the form of supplements under the control of a dietitian.
Feeding tubes
In cases where oral feeding is difficult or cannot be done, intragastric feeding can be done. With the nasogastric tube descending from your nose to your stomach, food is given directly to your stomach. For this, ready-made preparations are used that do not require grinding with specially prepared teeth. In addition, parenterally prepared products containing nutrients can be administered intravenously.
Maintenance and support services
Some support can be given to patients who have a chronic disease, a disability or who are bedridden.
Speech and language therapy for those with swallowing problems,
Shopping and home delivery for those who can’t go out and get their food,
Social support services such as soup kitchens and home delivery services can be provided for those who cannot cook at home.
Prevention of malnutrition
If you have a health problem that may lead to deficiency in your nutrition, an important part of the treatment of this disease is the planning of your nutrition program. Otherwise, you will face problems related to malnutrition and your chances of success in the treatment of your disease will decrease.
The best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. You should get a balanced intake from each of the main food groups. Vegetables and fruits should be included in your diet. Protein, carbohydrate should be planned to be balanced. Eating by taking into account the calories you spend will keep your weight in balance and will also ensure that your body gets the energy it needs.
Get support from a dietitian about your diet.