What do patients eat in hospital?

A study was made of the food chosen and eaten by patients on a surgical, a medical, an accident service and an elective orthopaedic ward. Patients were studied over 5 consecutive days. Daily energy intake was less than the predicted basal metabolic rate in 13 (24 per cent) of the 55 patients studied. Daily protein intake was less than 0.8 g/kg ideal body weight in nine (16 per cent) patients. Many of the patients had daily intakes of iron and of vitamins less than those recommended for healthy adults. There were no differences in food intake between the patients on the different wards. This study indicates the neglect of nutrient intake of many hospital patients.