Inadequate energy and protein intake in geriatric outpatients with mobility problems

To individualize nutritional interventions for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition and sarcopenia, it is required to understand the nutritional needs of older adults. This study explores the nutritional needs of geriatric outpatients. We hypothesized that inadequate energy and protein intake is common in geriatric outpatients. Data were retrieved from 2 cohort studies encompassing community-dwelling older adults referred to geriatric outpatient mobility clinics in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Melbourne, Australia. Indirect calorimetry and a food diary, respectively, were used to assess resting metabolic rate (RMR) and energy and protein intake. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was calculated by the RMR multiplied by an activity factor of 1.4. An energy deficit was defined as a relative difference >10% between TEE and energy intake. A protein deficit was defined as protein intake