»Hamburger Abendblatt newspaper«, 15/12/11

More seniors suffer from malnourishment than ever before

According to the German health insurer DAK, the number of seniors who have to be treated in hospital for malnourishment is on the increase. Analysis carried out on DAK data has showed that in 2008, doctors received 354 seniors in Hamburg hospitals with malnourishment compared to 604 in 2010. This represents an increase of 70.6 percent. The average age of these patients in 2010 was 74 years. In a nationwide comparison, figures have risen by 53 percent over the last two years. In 2010 the DAK recorded 17,091 cases of malnourishment requiring hospitalization, compared to 11,173 in 2008. The average age was 70 years.

The DAK claims that in most cases a protein or vitamin deficiency could be determined. The malnutrition mostly became apparent in clinics through the treatment of other illnesses such as diabetes or femoral bone fractures.

The German Senior Citizens League (DSL) estimate that almost every twelfth person over the age of 60 suffers from chronic malnourishment. If essential vitamins, protein (amino acids), trace elements and minerals are lacking, there is a threat of serious illnesses due to general weakness and metabolistic disorders. “Whoever loses a significant amount of weight and is considerably weaker as a result should seek medical attention” advised DAK expert Peter Rowohlt. DAK recommends diets to be high in whole milk and dairy products, potatoes, vegetables, fruit and whole-grain products as well as fish and meat.

Dear reader,

We are often asked for amino acid product recommendations. As we generally cannot answer this in a universal way, the information collected from our German colleagues could be used as a guide to those who are looking for quality supplements: www.aminosaeuren.de. The site trialed and evaluated the products and services of the main providers in German-speaking countries. The information is currently only available in German, but you will nevertheless be able to see the names of the best manufacturers.

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