營養不良（Malnutrition）是指人體未能攝取足夠的能量、蛋白質或其他重要營養素，以維持正常身體功能、健康狀況及日常活動能力。雖然營養不良可發生於任何年齡層，但長者因生理、心理及社會因素影響，往往屬於較高風險群組。

隨著年齡增長，食慾下降、味覺改變、牙齒問題、吞嚥困難、慢性疾病及藥物使用等因素，均可能影響長者的進食量及營養攝取。此外，獨居、社交孤立、經濟困難或缺乏照顧支援，亦可能增加營養不良的風險。

長者營養不良並不一定代表體重過輕。部分長者即使體重正常或超重，仍可能因肌肉流失、蛋白質攝取不足或營養素缺乏而出現營養不良的情況。因此，單靠外觀或體重未必能準確反映營養狀況。

營養不良可對健康帶來多方面影響，包括肌肉量及肌力下降、活動能力減退、跌倒風險增加、免疫功能受損、傷口癒合延遲，以及住院率和感染風險上升。若未能及早識別及介入，亦可能影響生活質素及獨立生活能力。

常見的營養不良警號包括：

體重於短時間內明顯下降
食慾不振或進食量減少
肌肉流失及體力下降
經常感到疲倦或虛弱
反覆感染或康復速度緩慢
日常活動能力下降
吞嚥困難或進食困難

及早進行營養風險篩查有助識別高風險人士。常用的評估工具包括 MUST（Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool）及 MNA-SF（Mini Nutritional Assessment – Short Form），可協助評估營養風險並制定合適的營養照護計劃。

透過均衡飲食、充足蛋白質攝取、營養強化策略、口服營養補充品（ONS）及適當運動介入，許多營養不良問題都可以得到改善或預防。對於高風險長者，建議尋求營養專業人員的評估及個人化建議，以促進健康老齡化及維持良好的生活質素。

Related Topics
長者營養評估（Nutrition Assessment）
營養不良風險篩查（Malnutrition Screening）
MUST 與 MNA-SF
口服營養補充品（ONS）
肌少症（Sarcopenia）
健康老齡化（Healthy Ageing）

Malnutrition occurs when the body does not receive enough energy, protein, or other essential nutrients to maintain normal body functions, health, and daily activities. Although malnutrition can affect people of all ages, older adults are particularly vulnerable due to age-related physiological, psychological, and social factors.

As people age, changes in appetite, taste and smell, dental problems, swallowing difficulties, chronic medical conditions, and medication use may reduce food intake and nutritional status. In addition, factors such as social isolation, living alone, financial challenges, and limited access to support services can further increase the risk of malnutrition.

Importantly, malnutrition does not always mean being underweight. Some older adults may have a normal or even high body weight but still experience malnutrition due to inadequate protein intake, loss of muscle mass, or deficiencies in essential nutrients. Therefore, body weight alone is not a reliable indicator of nutritional health.

Malnutrition can have significant consequences on health and wellbeing. It is associated with loss of muscle mass and strength, reduced mobility and independence, increased risk of falls, impaired immune function, delayed wound healing, longer hospital stays, and a greater risk of infection. If left unrecognised and untreated, malnutrition can negatively affect quality of life and contribute to functional decline.

Common signs and symptoms of malnutrition may include:

Unintentional weight loss
Reduced appetite or food intake
Muscle loss and weakness
Fatigue and low energy levels
Frequent infections or slower recovery from illness
Declining physical function
Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Early identification is essential to prevent further deterioration. Nutrition screening tools such as the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment – Short Form (MNA-SF) are commonly used to identify individuals at risk of malnutrition and guide appropriate nutrition interventions.

Many cases of malnutrition can be prevented or improved through a balanced diet, adequate protein and energy intake, food fortification strategies, oral nutritional supplements (ONS), and regular physical activity. For older adults at risk, seeking advice from a qualified nutrition professional can help support healthy ageing, maintain independence, and improve overall quality of life.

Related Topics
Nutrition Assessment in Older Adults
Malnutrition Screening
MUST vs MNA-SF
Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS)
Sarcopenia Management
Healthy Ageing and Nutrition
Dysphagia Nutrition Care