Nutrition is a foundational part of patient care — one that directly affects recovery, outcomes, and the overall performance of the healthcare system. Yet malnutrition remains a persistent and under-recognized challenge in healthcare, particularly among older adults.
Through our valued partnership with Abbott Nutrition, a global leader in evidence-based nutrition science and innovation, we are sharing ten key facts that highlight the measurable consequences of malnutrition and the proven value of early identification and intervention. These insights are grounded in clinical research and real-world healthcare data, reinforcing why nutrition care must be prioritized across the continuum.
1. Nearly 50% of patients are malnourished upon hospital admission.
Many patients arrive at hospital already nutritionally compromised due to chronic illness, aging, or limited access to adequate food. Malnutrition often goes unnoticed without formal screening.
2. Malnourished patients stay 3 days longer and cost ~$2,000 more per stay.
Poor nutritional status is directly linked to delayed recovery, higher complication rates, and increased resource utilization — placing additional strain on already stretched healthcare systems.
3. They are 2x more likely to be readmitted and up to 8x more likely to die.
Malnutrition significantly increases clinical risk. It weakens immune response, impairs wound healing, and reduces resilience, contributing to higher mortality and preventable readmissions.
4. Poor intake in the first week predicts prolonged length of stay.
Inadequate nutrition early in hospitalization is a strong predictor of worse outcomes. The first 5–7 days are critical for stabilizing patients and preventing decline.
5. Screening within 24 hours improves identification and intervention.
Early screening ensures at-risk patients are identified quickly, enabling timely nutrition care plans that can prevent complications and improve recovery trajectories.
6. SGA is the international gold standard for diagnosing malnutrition.
The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) is a validated, evidence-based tool used worldwide to assess nutritional status and guide clinical decision-making.
7. Malnutrition drives muscle loss, increasing risk of frailty and falls.
Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) reduces strength and mobility, contributing to falls, loss of independence, and greater need for post-acute care services.
8. Early nutrition support improves survival and functional outcomes within 30 days.
Intervening early with appropriate oral nutrition supplements, enteral nutrition, or dietitian-led plans can significantly improve short-term survival and recovery outcomes.
9. Frailty affects over 1.5 million Canadians and is closely linked to poor nutrition.
Frailty and malnutrition often coexist, particularly in older adults. Addressing nutrition is a key strategy in preventing or slowing functional decline.
10. Nutrition care must extend beyond hospital discharge to prevent decline.
Without continued nutrition support post-discharge, patients are at high risk of deterioration. Effective transitions of care — including community follow-up — are essential for sustained recovery.
We extend our sincere thanks to Abbott Nutrition for their collaboration, expertise, and commitment to advancing nutrition care in Canada. Their contributions help ensure our members have the tools, guidance, and partnerships needed to support patients and communities to flourish.
