Dietetics - Individuals at High Risk of Malnutrition (MUST 2+)

You have been screened using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). The result revealed you are at HIGH risk of malnutrition.

Please follow the advice below to help improve your nutritional wellbeing and reduce your malnutrition risk.

1. Try to consume high energy meals, foods that are high in fat and/or sugar. If you have Diabetes, focus on high fat foods. A ‘little and often’ approach to eating is advised and avoid low fat versions of foods. Having small, regular snacks and puddings can help boost your energy intake.
2. For good hydration you should aim to consume 6-8 cups of fluid each day. Nourishing drinks, such as a Hot Chocolate/Malted drinks/smoothies made with full fat milk can also help to boost your energy intake.
3. If you find food preparation difficult or are too tired to cook, you may wish to consider shop bought or company delivered pre- prepared meals. For further information contact your local Age UK office
4. Your GP should be informed of your HIGH risk MUST score. The GP may prescribe you nutritional supplement drinks. These will provide you with additional calories and nutrition. You should treat this like medicine and take as directed. If you have any issues consuming your nutritional supplement drinks, please inform your GP.
5. If you have any difficulty swallowing or if you develop on going symptoms of nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, sore mouth/throat, or experience unplanned weight loss it is important that you seek advice from your GP as soon as possible.
6. Please monitor your weight weekly. If yourself, or your carer are able, please use the Malnutrition self-screening tool available at: https://www.malnutritionselfscreening.org.  This tool will help you identify your risk of malnutrition, provide you with dietary advice and will encourage you to seek further help and information from your GP or other healthcare professional when needed.

Alternatively, if you are unable to self-screen and are concerned about your malnutrition risk you are advised to contact your GP surgery to request a repeat MUST screen. This will identify if your nutritional needs have changed and will ensure you are following the correct advice. Your GP surgery can refer you to the Nutrition and Dietetic Service if specialist input is required.

For additional information, please see the following links:

Food fact sheet spotting and treating malnutrition

https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/malnutrition.html

https://www.malnutritiontaskforce.org.uk/eating-well

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/salford/about-us/improving-nutrition-and-hydration/eating-well/