Evaluation Of Nutritional Status Research Articles

Prevention of iron deficiency conditions in obese children

Background. Due to the progressive increase in childhood obesity, the effect of iron levels in the body on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders and the relationship between these conditions are actively studied. It is proven that obesity in children is often associated with dysregulation of iron metabolism. The correlation between the body mass index and iron deficiency (ID) in children and adolescents was reported. Therefore, implementing preventive measures to correct the iron deficiency state (IDS), including the enrichment of the diet with foods containing easily digestible iron, is relevant and can be considered as one of the principles of an integrated approach to the treatment of obesity in childhood. Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements "Kidz Tasty iron" for IDS prevention in obese children. Materials and methods. Thirty children aged 7–14 with exogenous constitutional obesity were followed up, 14 (47%) females and 16 (53%) males. All patients received a dietary supplement (DS), "Kidz Tasty iron," 10 mL once daily with meals according to the label for 1 month. The follow-up included data on signs and symptoms, medical history, evaluation of anthropometric data, evaluation of current nutrition status with the software "Optimal Nutrition 5.0", bioimpedance analysis of body composition, questionnaire on the assessment of ID symptoms and quality of life, general hematology and blood chemistry tests, validated for childhood. Results. The diets of obese children in the study had low iron content (33.3% of patients), which justifies the need for additional iron supplementation. While taking the dietary supplement "Kidz Tasty Iron," there was a positive clinical trend: decreased symptoms related to ID and clinical signs of ID, improved overall well-being, and increased quality of life. The improvement of the body composition of the studied children was represented by preservation and an increase (20% of patients) in the active cell mass in the studied children. Laboratory tests of iron metabolism improved in 9 children (30%). Most children reported the good organoleptic properties of the product. Adherence to the DS was 96.7%. Conclusion. The study results show the "Kidz Tasty iron" dietary supplement to be tolerable, safe, and effective, supporting its use in the complex therapy of children and adolescents with obesity, including for IDS prevention.

Hip fracture in elderly: malnutrition and health outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Hip fracture is a common condition among elderly and one of the leading causes of disability. Malnutrition is widely present in older patients and has been identified in several studies as an important and modifiable prognostic factor for several medical conditions, including hip fracture. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the association between malnutrition, assessed by validated tools, and selected health outcomes for different follow-up intervals from hip fracture, in particular: mortality, changes in mobility/living arrangements and postoperative delirium. Methods A literature search on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases up to September 2023, was conducted to identify all studies involving older subjects that reported an association between MNA/GNRI/PNI/CONUT score and health outcome after hip fracture. Meta-analysis was performed by a random-effects model using risk values (RR/OR/HR) extracted from 14 eligible selected studies. Results Malnutrition significantly increased the risk of any adverse outcome by 70% at 1 month, and up to 250% at 1 year, showing an increasing trend with longer follow-up periods. One month after hip fracture, malnutrition significantly increased the risk of postoperative delirium by 275% (OR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.80-4.18; p ≤ 0.05), mortality by 342% (OR = 3.42; 95% CI 2.14-5.48; p ≤ 0.05) and mortality hazard risk by 351% (HR = 3.51; 95% CI 1.63-7.55; p ≤ 0.05). One year after hip fracture, malnutrition significantly increased the risk of transfer to more supported living arrangements by 218% (OR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.58-3.01; p ≤ 0.05), declined mobility by 41% (OR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.14-1.75; p ≤ 0.05), mortality by 368% (OR = 3.68; 95% CI 3.00-4.52; p ≤ 0.05) and mortality hazard risk by 234% (HR = 2.34; 95% CI 1.91-2.87; p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions These findings underscore that malnutrition worsens outcomes after hip fracture in elderly, emphasizing the importance of nutritional assessment to mitigate potential adverse consequences. Key messages • The results of the present study underscore that malnutrition increases the risk of death and worsens mobility and independence after hip fracture in older adults. • Routine nutritional status evaluation could prove beneficial in the management of hip fracture older patients in order to prevent potential adverse outcomes.

Evaluation of prognostic nutritional status and lipid profile in gestational diabetes.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between controlling nutritional status index (CONUT) and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) scores that are used to evaluate nutritional status and GDM. Also, lipid abnormalities and albumin levels in pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance and GDM were researched. This study was conducted as a retrospective study at Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Turkey. The study included 67 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies (32 pregnant diagnosed with GDM and 35 pregnant known to be normoglycemic). There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of maternal age, gravidity, parity, history of miscarriage and weight gain during pregnancy. Body mass index (BMI) was higher in the GDM group (p = 0.001). There was no difference in the CONUT score between the groups (p = 0.254). The PNI score was lower in the GDM group (p = 0.003). Of the laboratory data, only fasting blood glucose, triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were statistically significantly higher, and albumin was lower in the GDM group (p = 0.026, p = 0.007, p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively). PNI has the potential to be a useful predictor of GDM, whereas CONUT does not. Low albumin levels and increased TG, and TC in the first trimester seem to be significant in the development of GDM.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) phase angle in stroke patients: A systematic review

Background and AimsPhase angle (PhA), a raw variable of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), is an index of muscle structure and quality and might have a potential role in the evaluation of nutritional status.The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate in stroke patients: baseline PhA and its changes during hospital stay; the association of PhA with clinical features of patients, comorbidities, nutritional status or sarcopenia, and clinical outcomes. MethodsSystematic research on electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) up to June 14th, 2024 was performed according to PRISMA checklist.Using PECOS strategy, “P” (patients)=stroke patients, “E” (exposure)=lowest PhA values, “C” (comparison)=versus greatest PhA values, “O” (outcome)=nutritional and clinical outcomes, and “S” (study design)=all study types.Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies (NIH). ResultsEighteen papers met the inclusion criteria, with a low risk of bias. In stroke patients, evidence suggests that PhA was associated with malnutrition, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, as well as with physical function. In addition, patients with low PhA had a longer hospital stay, higher inflammatory status and higher incidence of urinary tract infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia. ConclusionsSelected papers, although not conclusive, show that in acute and subacute stroke patients PhA was inversely associated with malnutrition and poor physical function. PhA could be a marker of health status and disease progression. PhA may be useful in a more comprehensive evaluation of nutritional status to be used for diagnosis and implementing therapy.

Evaluation of nutritional status and malnutrition screening tests of elderly individuals living in nursing homes

Evaluation of nutritional status and malnutrition screening tests of elderly individuals living in nursing homes

An evaluation of sleep quality and nutritional status in nurses with different chronotypes

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of shift work on the sleep quality and nutritional status of nurses with different chronotypes. The study was designed to include 21 people from each chronotype and was completed with 60 participants. The participants were asked to record their food consumption during three different types of shifts they worked over a period of three days. We found that the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of the evening types was higher than that of the morning types (p < 0.05). The evening types had significantly higher weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-height ratio and neck circumference measurements than the morning types (p < 0.05). The daily energy, fat and SFA intakes of the morning types were significantly higher for those working 16:00–08:00 and 08:00–08:00 compared to those working 08:00–16:00 (p < 0.05). The highest carbohydrate intake was between 08:00–08:00. The amount of carbohydrate, energy and SFA consumed by the intermediate types between 08:00 and 08:00 was significantly higher than that consumed between 08:00 and 16:00. Chronotype and shift hours should also be taken into account when developing nutrition plans for participants who work shifts.

Nutritional status and metabolic evaluation in a group of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Nutritional status and metabolic evaluation in a group of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Evaluation of Nutrition, Pressure Ulcer and Fall Risk Status and Related Factors in Individuals Receiving Home Health Care Services

Objective: In this study, the aim is to evaluate the factors associated with nutrition, pressure ulcers, and fall risks in individuals receiving home health care. Methods: A retrospective study was designed by examining the files of the patients registered in the Home Health Care. Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, Modified Norton Scale and Itaki Fall Risk Scale scores were recorded. Results: The study included 334 patients. 197 (59%) of them were female and the mean age was 74.15±16.12 (min: 18, max: 101). The most common chronic diseases was hypertension (HT) (n=167, 50%), whereas the two most common comorbidities were DM and HT (n=77,23.1%). Patients receiving home health care were found to be at risk for malnutrition, pressure ulcers and falls. Being semi-bedridden and wheelchair bound were found to be predictors for the risk of developing pressure ulcers according to regression analysis results. Also it was identified that the age and dependency levels of the patients receiving home health care explained 12% of the falling behaviours of the older people. Conclusion: Necessary warnings should be given at every visit, so that receiving home health care should not be neglected in terms of risks and preventive measures should be taken for this patient group.

Gender Differences in the Relationship between Forearm Length and Height across Different Age Groups: A Correlation and Regression Analysis

Abstract Introduction: Forearm length (FrL) and height (Ht) are important anthropometric measurements used in clinical practice and research. This study aimed to investigate the correlation and regression between FrL and Ht in males and females across different age groups. Materials and Methods: Participants aged 18 to under 23 years were recruited, and FrL and Ht were measured using standardised techniques. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Results: The correlation analysis revealed a moderate-to-strong positive correlation between FrL and Ht in males across all age groups, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.318 to 0.866. In females, the correlation was weaker, ranging from 0.123 to 0.561. Regression equations were derived to estimate FrL from Ht, showing that Ht explains a larger proportion of the variability in FrL in males compared to females. These findings suggest that FrL can be used as a predictor of Ht, particularly in males, but caution is advised when applying this relationship to females. These results have implications for growth assessment and nutritional status evaluation in clinical practice, especially in populations, where direct measurement of Ht may be challenging. Conclusion: The study provides insights into the relationship between FrL and Ht, with implications for Ht estimation and growth assessment in clinical practice. Further research is needed to validate these findings in larger populations.

Long‐term assessment of macro‐ and micronutrients in foliage of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in thinned versus unmanaged old‐growth stands

AbstractBackgroundScience‐based decisions regarding forest management require the knowledge of the impact of thinning regimens on the forests’ vitality and resilience. There is no systematic study analysing the role of forest management approaches on the nutritional status of forests, serving as a surrogate for their health and growth.AimsWe assessed the impact of ‘heavy thinning from above’ versus ‘no management’ on the foliar chemistry of old‐growth European beech stands on a calcareous site with cambisol/chromic luvisol soil in Thuringia, Germany.MethodsMacro‐ and micronutrients were analysed by serial foliar analysis of six trees per experimental plot over 13 years (2009–2021). To assess potential differences of foliar chemistry between the two plots and over time, a linear mixed‐effects model was applied.ResultsFoliar concentrations of all macro‐ and micronutrients were not significantly different between the two plots (p &gt; 0.05), demonstrating that the management approach had no relevant impact on the nutritional status of beech trees growing at the calcareous site. Furthermore, all foliar concentrations were dynamic over the 13‐year evaluation period. Hence, long‐term forest monitoring is crucial to capture the complex interplay between the trees and environmental conditions.ConclusionsSerial foliar analysis allows for a reliable evaluation of a forest's nutritional status. The results indicate that either regimen, that is, ‘heavy thinning from above’ or ‘no management’, shall not pose any risk in terms of growth and stability. Our results add to the understanding of beech forest dynamics and may provide a further piece for science‐based strategies of sustainable forest management.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status using Head Circumference among Bhil, Dhodia and Kinnaura tribal Preschool Children, India

Background: Undernutrition is a major problem in developing countries, especially among tribal pre-school children. Many studies have been undertaken on preschool tribal children in different parts of India, but by considering different ecological zones, no previous studies have been taken into account for determining nutritional status using head circumference. Head circumference for age Z-score (HCAZ) is also a useful index for determining the nutritional status of pre-school children. Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the nutritional status based on head circumference of preschool children of the Bhil, Dhodia and Kinnaura tribes. Methods: The present study was undertaken among 509 boys and 476 girls. Among which, 168 boys and 185 girls belonged to the Bhil tribe from Barmer district, 164 boys and 142 girls belonged to the Dhodia tribe from Valsad district, and 177 boys and 149 girls belonged to the Kinnaura tribe from Kinnaur district. WHO Child Growth Standards (2007) were utilized to determine Z-scores for head circumference for age (HCAZ). The standard formula was used to compute HCAZ: Z-score= (X- Median value of WHO 2007)/ standard deviation, WHO (2007). Moderately undernourished: &lt;-2SD and severely undernourished: &lt;-3SD were considered following the WHO standard (2007). Results: From this study, it was found that among Bhil preschool children, 28.3% of boys and girls are undernourished, 33.6% of boys and 31.3% of girls are suffering from malnutrition among Dhodia boys, and 13.5% of boys and 17.2% of girls are undernourished among Kinnaura tribe. Conclusion: Regular intervention programmes need to be done by the authority to spread awareness among the people of these tribal communities so that the health condition of preschool children improves.

Evaluation of nutritional status (Nutritional Risk Screening-2002) of hospitalized inpatients and comparison with various variables

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of hospitalized patients according to Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) and to examine the effects of various variables on nutritional status. Methods: The sample of the cross-sectional study consisted of 469 inpatients reached by simple random sampling method. Data was collected from hospitalized patients with a survey form using face-to-face interview method between January and March 2024. Personal information and hospital stay characteristics form, NRS-2002 form was used in the survey used to collect data. Results: The average age of the patients included in the study was found to be 59.8±18.1 years. Of the patients, 51.4% were male and 48.6% were female. According to the total NRS-2002 score result, 410 (87.3%) of the patients were classified as no risk of malnutrition and 59 (12.6%) were classified as risk of malnutrition. No statistically significant difference was found between patients’ malnutrition risk and gender, education level, hospital diets, hospital clinics (p&amp;gt;0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found between the malnutrition risk of the patients and their age, body mass index (BMI) and length of hospital stay (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: Nutrition screening tools should be applied more frequently to these patients, especially since the risk of malnutrition is higher in patients who are elderly, have a long hospital stay, and have a low BMI.

Evaluation of nutritional and nosological status of students at Felix Houphouet-Boigny University in Cote d'Ivoire

Introduction: Health of students is an essential factor in acquisition of knowledge and in development of human capital in general. Aim: This study was conducted in order to descriptive the nutritional and health situation of students of Felix Houphouët University of Côte d'Ivoire. Methodology: In fact, a nutritional and health assessment survey was carried out from October 15, 2016 to February 17, 2017 in a population of 1228 students dominated by male with middle-aged of 22.5-year-old. Results: It revealed a panoply of diseases with a predominance of digestive disorders. According to the literature and previous studies done at Felix Boigny University, this could be linked to exposure to stress, inadequate environmental and dietary conditions. This nosological situation is not without consequence on the nutritional state, indeed the prospective analysis of the body mass index of the surveyed, showed a nutritional state quite degraded with 5.29% of leanness, 9, 13% overweight and 2.20% obesity. Conclusion: In view of these results we note that the health status of students is precarious and stationary with respect to the results of previous studies. Faced to this worrying situation, it is urgent to carry out awareness campaigns on all university campuses in the country to improve the nutritional behavior, nosological status and nutritional status of students.

ESPEN practical guideline on clinical nutrition in hospitalized patients with acute or chronic kidney disease

Hospitalized patients often have acute kidney disease (AKD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD), with important metabolic and nutritional consequences. Moreover, in case kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is started, the possible impact on nutritional requirements cannot be neglected. On this regard, the present guideline aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical nutrition in hospitalized patients with KD. The standard operating procedure for ESPEN guidelines was used. Clinical questions were defined in both the PICO format, and organized in subtopics when needed, and in non-PICO questions for the more general topics. The literature search was from January 1st, 1999 until January 1st, 2020. Each question led to one or more recommendation/statement and related commentaries. Existing evidence was graded, as well as recommendations and statements were developed and agreed upon in a multistage consensus process. The present guideline provides 32 evidence-based recommendations and 8 statements, defining how to assess nutritional status, how to define patients at risk, how to choose the route of feeding, and how to integrate nutrition with KRT. In the final online voting, a strong consensus was reached in 84% at least of recommendations and 100% of statements. The presence of KD in hospitalized patients identifies a highly heterogeneous group of subjects with widely varying nutrient needs and intakes. Considering the high nutritional risk related with this clinical condition, an individualized approach consisting of nutritional status evaluation and monitoring, frequent evaluation of nutritional requirements, and careful integration with KRT should be planned to avoid both underfeeding and overfeeding. Practical recommendations and statements were developed, aiming at defining suggestions for everyday clinical practice in the individualization of nutritional support in this patient setting. Literature areas with scarce or without evidence were also identified, thus requiring further basic or clinical research.

Role of nutrition in orthopedic trauma and surgery-A prospective study

: Nutrition is an age-old issue of human civilization with approximately 40% undernourished hospitalized inpatients. This has effect on surgery as healthy individuals have better tolerance than malnourished patients. : This study was designed to evaluate the effect of nutrition on patients who had undergone different types of Orthopedics surgeries. This prospective research involved 200 participants who received various orthopedic surgeries at a tertiary care facility. The evaluation of nutritional status involved measuring anthropometric (BMI) and biochemical markers (pre-albumin and transferrin) before, after, and three months after surgery for various age groups, genders, comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension, as well as for complications like urinary tract infections and surgical wound dehiscence. Version 16 of the SPSS statistical analysis program was used for the analysis. Chi Square and the repeated variable ANNOVA test were the tests employed.: 113 patients were followed up prospectively with 4.42% under nourishment rate. Nutritional markers were statistically significant values at pre,post and at 3 months of post op. Diabetes and age more than 40 years were two important parameters affecting nutrition of patients undergoing different orthopedic surgeries. Surgical wound infection was not related to nutritional status of the patient in this study. Pre albumin was found to be a better predictor of nutrition than transferrin.: This study clearly showed that nutrition has tremendous impact on the outcome different orthopedics surgeries. But needs more extensive research with huge sample size to prove the same in a more accurate way.

Obesity prevalence, nutritional status, and physical activity levels in Turkish adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although nutritional status is influenced by multidimensional aspects encompassing physical factors, there is limited research on this complex relationship. This study aimed to examine the interaction between physical activity level indicators and the nutritional status of adults in Türkiye. A total of 3,970 individuals aged 18 years or older, residing in Afyonkarahisar (Türkiye), participated in this study. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with a questionnaire, using simple random sampling among adults. One-day food consumption was recorded using a 24-h dietary recall (24HDR). Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). This study comprised 3,970 participants: 2,087 (52.57%) men and 1,883 (47.42%) women. Among them, 32.64% smoked cigarettes, and 8.72% consumed alcohol. About 40% of adults were overweight, and 16.33% were obese. All participants had inadequate intake levels of potassium, calcium, and iron when compared to the recommended amounts. Physical activity levels showed a weak positive correlation with dietary energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and cholesterol, and a weak negative correlation with age, waist-to-hip ratio, and BMI of participants. This study provides insights into the importance of addressing both physical activity and nutritional status. It was found that the weekly duration of physical activity for women was lower than for men. As a result of the nutritional status evaluation, it was found that the daily energy intake of men was higher than that of women.

Preoperative nutritional assessment by using subjective and objective criteria and its implication in the outcome of cancer patients undergoing abdomino-pelvic surgeries

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “nutritional status” as the condition of the body resulting from the intake, absorption, and utilization of nutrients and the influence of particular physiological and pathological status.[1] Globally, malnutrition affects a significant proportion of individuals, with prevalence rates ranging from 30% to 85%, particularly prevalent among patients with gastric, pancreatic, lung, prostate, and colon cancers.[2] In cancer patients, malnutrition is associated with decreased treatment tolerance, increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, and diminished quality of life [3]The evaluation of nutritional status in cancer patients commonly relies on subjective methods such as the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA)[4] and objective measures like anthropometry and biochemical parameters[5]. Despite their widespread use, no single method is universally accepted as the "gold standard," each possessing its’ inherent limitations.

Evaluation of micronutrient and nutritional status among preschool children in Jordan: results from a Nationwide survey.

Jordan faces various malnutrition challenges, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases. The country has shifted from issues of undernutrition to rising rates of overweight and obesity, while still dealing with micronutrient deficiencies. The 2010 national survey revealed high rates of iron and vitamin D deficiencies among preschool children, with about 20% experiencing vitamin A deficiencies. The goals of the 2019 Jordan National Micronutrient & Nutrition Survey (JNMNS) include assessing feeding practices of infants and young children, determining the frequency of consuming micronutrient-rich foods, evaluating causes of anemia, assessing the health status of specific subgroups, and comparing findings to the 2010 survey. JNMNS 2019 was a comprehensive national cross-sectional survey structured across four strata. Within each stratum, 40 primary sampling units were chosen in proportion to their size based on the 2015 Jordan census. Subsequently, the Department of Statistics conducted household listings in each PSU. Separate response rates were assumed for households and target groups, encompassing interviews, anthropometric measurements, and specimen collection. The survey aimed to collect data from 2,210 households, including interviews and anthropometry for 1,232 preschool children, with blood samples obtained from 992 of them. The findings revealed no severe anemia cases, but 11% of preschoolers aged 12-59 months were anemic. Iron deficiency affected 22.4%, with 5% having iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin D deficiency increased to 22.9% in 2019. Stunting and wasting rates improved slightly to 6.3 and 0.1%, respectively. Overweight and obesity rates remained stable at 6.2 and 2.1%. Anemia decreased by 5-6%, but iron deficiency rose by 7%. Vitamin A deficiency decreased, but iron deficiency anemia remained largely unchanged. Undernutrition was rare, but vitamin D deficiency affected 27.7% of preschoolers, impacting growth and immunity. Iron deficiency, affecting 25% of children, poses a risk to cognitive development. Overweight or obesity affected 9% of children, a medium public health issue according to the WHO. While malnutrition rates are low, the persistent issues of vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, and childhood obesity require focused attention. The study highlights ongoing nutritional challenges among Jordanian preschoolers. Although severe anemia was rare, 11% were anemic, and 22.4% had iron deficiency, including 5% with iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin D deficiency affected 22.9%, impacting growth and immunity. While stunting and wasting improved, childhood overweight and obesity rates remained steady. Anemia decreased, but iron deficiency rose by 7%. Despite reduced vitamin A deficiency, stable iron deficiency anemia rates indicate ongoing concerns. Overall, undernutrition is uncommon, but vitamin D and iron deficiencies, along with childhood obesity, need sustained attention and targeted interventions to improve children's health in Jordan.

Systematic nutritional screening and assessment in older patients: Rationale for its integration into oncology practice

As the global population ages, so does the number of older people being diagnosed, treated and surviving cancer. Challenges to providing appropriate healthcare management stem from the heterogeneity common in this population. Although malnutrition is highly prevalent in older people with cancer, ranging between 30 % and 80 % according to some analyses, is associated with frailty, and has been shown to be a major risk factor for poor treatment response and worse overall survival, addressing nutrition status is not always a priority among oncology healthcare providers. Evaluation of nutritional status is a two-step process: screening identifies risk factors for reduced nutritional intake and deficits that require more in-depth assessment. Screening activities can be as simple as taking weight and BMI measurements or using short nutritional questionnaires and asking the patient about unintentional weight loss to identify potential nutritional risk. Using geriatric assessment, deficits in the nutritional domain as well as in others reveal potentially reversible geriatric and medical problems to guide specific therapeutic interventions. The authors of this paper are experts in the fields of geriatric medicine, oncology, and nutrition science and believe that there is not only substantial evidence to support regularly performing screening and assessment of nutritional status in older patients with cancer, but that these measures lead to the planning and implementation of patient-centered approaches to nutrition management and thus enhanced geriatric-oncology care. This paper presents rationale for systematic nutrition screening and assessment in older adults with cancer.

Study of Body Composition by Biphotonic X-ray Absorptiometry in a Moroccan Female Population, an Indicator of Obesity?

Our purpose was to study the body composition in a healthy female Moroccan adult group, and to help physicians to evaluate nutritional status. Five hundred and nineteen healthy women aged from 20 to 80 years were included in the study. Bone mineral density at the hip and lumbar spine and the body composition parameters were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage (%) of body fat. The FFM index (FFMI) and the FM index (FMI) were calculated. We analyzed the population by age and body mass index (BMI) defined groups. The mean age of the population was 53.14 ± 13.69 years with an average BMI of 29.30 ± 5.04 kg/m2. Means of FM and FFM were 33.93 ± 9.18 kg and 36.91 ± 5 kg, respectively, with FM and FFMI of 13.65 ± 3.66 kg/m2 and 14.85 ± 1.91 kg/m2, respectively. The % FM, FFM, and their corresponding indices increased with age; a statistically significant difference was observed between the 20 and 39 age categories and the two other categories. The BMI category analysis showed that FFMI and FMI increased in obese women with a statistically significant difference between the four groups. Age and BMI were correlated significantly with the different parameters. This is the first Moroccan study to present body composition indexes in healthy Moroccan female adults. These reference values may be useful for the clinical evaluation of body composition and nutritional status.