Dietary supplements and oral refeeding in malnutrition

In the therapy of malnutrition in the elderly oral treatment should be pref erred. It represents a particular challenge to relatives, caregivers and ph ysicians. Because of the individual deficits in each patient a personal ada pted plan has to be established. Treatment includes an optimized food suppl y, energy-rich and enriched meals, and liquid nutritional supplements but a lso special care during the meal and an inviting environment. The success i s very much dependent on the intensity of care.