Beyond malnutrition screening: prevalence of inadequate protein and energy intake in Turkish older outpatients

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies; however, standard malnutrition screening tools may lack sensitivity in detecting inadequate nutrient intake. This study aimed to assess daily protein and energy intake, as well as nutritional status, in older outpatients using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). METHODS: The study included 112 patients aged 65 years and older. Nutritional status was assessed using the MNA-SF and GLIM criteria. Dietary intake was recorded over three consecutive days and analysed using BeBis 8.2. Protein intake below 1 g/kg/day and energy intake below 27 kcal/kg/day were considered insufficient. RESULTS: Participants had a mean daily intake of 20.1 kcal/kg/day and 0.81 ± 0.25 g/kg/day of protein. MNA-SF results showed that 39.3% were at risk of malnutrition, while 60.7% had a normal nutritional status. According to MNA, protein insufficiency was observed in 69.1% and energy insufficiency in 82.4% of those with normal nutritional status. CONCLUSION: Inadequate protein and energy intake is common among older Turkish outpatients, even in those not classified as malnourished. Routine clinical care should incorporate strategies to raise awareness and improve dietary intake to help prevent malnutrition and related health risks.