[What are the most relevant parameters for malnutrition in nursing homes?]

Prevention of malnutrition is an important issue among older nursing homes residents. From this perspective it is crucial that malnutrition is detected in an early stage. Hence, parameters and tools are required that are suitable for these institutions. Based on recent publications an assessment has been made to identify which parameters are most relevant in nursing homes. The literature study indicates that a wide scope of parameters exists for screening of malnutrition. Only a limited number has been studied in the elderly. In addition, more complicated parameters and tools have not revealed substantial added value to relatively simple parameters, such as foodrecords, weight loss and Body Mass Index.