Dr Nick Thompson, Canon Andrew Lightbown, Cllr Peter Prinsley and Tony Parsons respond to reports on the rise in malnutrition and nutrient deficiency
While malnutrition is rightly discussed in the context of poverty in your article (Surge in number of people in hospital with nutrient deficiencies, NHS figures show, 21 December), it’s important that this isn’t at the expense of conversations around disease-related malnutrition – a significant health issue that has been worsening for decades.
A 2022 survey of 1,543 adults across the UK found that 45% of those screened in health and care settings were at risk of malnutrition, including 55% of residents in care homes. Malnutrition prevalence was highest in individuals with cancer, and gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. The data was collected using the malnutrition universal screening tool, a comprehensive measure of malnutrition risk that can and should be used in all health and social care settings.
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