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Polypharmacy and malnutrition
Zdenek Zadak1, Radomir Hyspler, Alena Ticha
1Department of Research and Development, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. zadak@fnhk.cz
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|December 4, 2012
Summary
Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is linked to malnutrition, especially in older adults. This review explores their relationship and impact on patient health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Malnutrition and polypharmacy are common in aging populations.
- Their relationship is complex and multifactorial.
- Polypharmacy's impact on nutritional status is under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the occurrence, consequences, and relationship between malnutrition and polypharmacy.
- To summarize current knowledge on drug effects on nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies.
- Synthesis of current evidence on polypharmacy and malnutrition.
Main Results:
- Polypharmacy and malnutrition frequently coexist in elderly and polymorbid patients.
- Approximately 65% of hospitalized patients exhibit poor nutritional status.
- Adverse drug effects can negatively impact nutrition.
Conclusions:
- Polypharmacy is a likely contributor to malnutrition in elderly patients.
- Poor nutritional status in hospitalized patients can impede treatment outcomes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the drug-nutrition interplay.
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