The World Health Organization defines malnutrition as deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization1. Globally in 2022:
- 149 million children under 5 had stunted growth
- 45 million people were experiencing nutritional wasting (low weight-for-height)
- 37 million people were overweight or living with obesity2
Additionally, nearly 50% of deaths among people under 5 years of age are connected to malnutrition2. It is estimated that between 2011 and 2020, malnutrition-linked conditions cost the U.S. economy $16 trillion3.
Established in 1983, Pentec Health has grown over the last 40 years into a nationwide leader in clinical nutrition solutions that help people who face malnutrition as a result of a medical condition. We excel in providing therapies and services for dialysis and wound care patients, as well as products for individuals living with inherited metabolic disorders and other rare diseases.
Understanding Malnutrition
There are 4 types of malnutrition, which can broadly be categorized into two groups, ‘over’ and ‘under’ nutrition:
Undernutrition
- Macronutrient undernutrition, also known as protein-energy undernutrition, is
a deficiency of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. This can result in observable impacts such as extreme weight-loss and stunted growth (low height-for-age).2
- Micronutrient undernutrition, resulting in a lack of vitamins and minerals due to a lack of in-diet variety. The effects can be subtle at first but become more severe with lasting effects if left unmanaged. A well-known example of this is scurvy, caused by a vitamin C deficiency.
Overnutrition
- Macronutrient overnutrition, an excess of protein, carbohydrates and/or fat calories causing fat cells to grow. This is associated with chronic inflammation and many other linked inherited metabolic disorders.
- Micronutrient overnutrition, though uncommon, it is possible to overdose on vitamin and mineral supplements4.
The United States faces both undernutrition and overnutrition as a result of many reasons. The primary causes are socioeconomic factors, chronic diseases and medical conditions. However, aging and decreased appetite, eating disorders, medication side effects, and adverse health conditions - also play a part.
The effects of malnutrition are numerous but include a weakening of the immune system, delayed wound healing, muscle wasting leading to decreased mobility and impairment of cognitive function. In fact, malnutrition affects the function and recovery of every organ system in the body5.
The Importance of Proper Nutrition
Nutrition is vital for overall health. It provides the body with the core building blocks of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that are needed for us to operate. A balanced diet tailored to each individual's needs provides life essentials, from energy production and repair of cells to strengthening the immune system and supporting cognitive function.
Certain patient groups will find nutrition challenging due to health conditions that require them to follow a specialized diet. These include:
- Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) must balance varying protein requirements based on dialysis status with careful regulation of electrolytes as well as reducing foods that increase waste that must be removed in dialysis8.
- Individuals with inherited metabolic disorders (e.g. phenylketonuria, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease) will need a strict diet to account for their restrictions and to avoid metabolic crises.
- Patients with wounds or pressure ulcers will have an increased protein and calorie requirement alongside a need for specific nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and arginine to support healing and tissue repair. This can be especially challenging when balanced with other dietary restrictions such as diabetes or CKD.
- Elderly individuals with decreased appetite or absorption issues have particularly
challenging needs due to their reduced ability to absorb certain nutrients9 and the potential of changing nutrients due to the effects of medications.
Pentec Health's Nutritional Solutions
At Pentec Health, we understand that nutrition plays an essential role in helping to sustain quality of life for those requiring care for complex health conditions. With a long-standing history of high-quality care, we provide personalized and tailored nutrition solutions alongside:
- Dialysis clinics, at Pentec Health we are the undisputed leader in clinical nutrition therapies and support services for Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN) and Intraperitoneal Nutrition (IPN) patients living on dialysis. Our nutrition support goes beyond the targeted, individualized parenteral nutrition that addresses the effects of long-term dialysis, we also provide oral nutrition supplements (ONS) that are designed to support a patient's nutrition at the onset of IDPN/IPN therapy.
- Nephrology, we recognize the challenges of living with and managing CKD. With
our holistic approach to complex care involving medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and oral nutrition supplements, we support patients, families, and providers to help achieve improved quality of life.
- Metabolic centers, we provide medical foods, low protein foods, and enteral nutrition through ZOIA Pharma, a Pentec company. We have a deep understanding of the difficulties faced by people living with inherited metabolic disorders, offering products from leading manufacturers such as eTon Pharmaceuticals, Firstplay Dietary Foods, Vitaflo, Abbott, and Nutricia that cover a wide range of conditions including PKU, HCU, TYR, GA, UCDs, and MSUD. We hone our approach with evidence-based nutritional management support.
- Wound care clinics, we are expanding our offering at Pentec to create the leading clinical nutrition and nutritional counseling platform that supports the healing of chronic, non-healing wounds through specialist nutritional interventions. Our holistic services, including medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and parenteral nutrition (PN), help wound care patients at every step of their treatment and our ongoing communications with providers and wound care clinics mean we track patient progress continuously and can adjust care plans as needed.
Conclusion
At Pentec Health, we understand that the fight against malnutrition is not just about providing nutrients—it is about transforming lives. As we've explored throughout this article, malnutrition affects millions in the U.S. and can have devastating consequences on health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Remember, proper nutrition is not a luxury- it’s a necessity. At Pentec Health, we are dedicated to making that necessity available to those who need it.
Whether you are a patient who is struggling with nutritional challenges, a healthcare provider looking to find the best service for your patients, or a caregiver who needs support, we want you to know: when it comes to fighting malnutrition, we’ve got your back.
