Home  Secure resources login 
Search by: Keyword  Publication    Category  

Issue 15 August 2008 - Contents Other issues

Welcome to Issue 15

In this edition of BPJ we explore the issues of nutrition from a number of perspectives. GPs may be involved with the care of patients receiving nutritional supplements and tube feeding formulations, however most would admit to gaps in their knowledge about indications, access and problems associated with administration.

Many groups require nutritional support or total replacement (for example with enteral tube feeding), and the reasons are numerous, ranging from substitution for breast milk to nutritional support in the very elderly.

Strategies to improve nutrition in elderly people Select

Many older people suffer from the “anorexia of ageing”. The best option for treating malnutrition is to enhance normal eating and drinking. Nutritional supplements for weight gain are generally not required unless body weight is unable to be maintained with a normal balanced diet, or if food cannot be eaten safely.

Elderly
The nutritional management of weight loss in COPD Select

People with COPD are generally underweight, have reduced muscle mass and are often malnourished, leading to other health problems. Opportunities for dietary intervention should be explored, aiming at early detection and early treatment of involuntary weight loss.

COPD
Dietary advice for people with coeliac disease Select

When people are newly diagnosed with coeliac disease, their nutritional status is often compromised, and they may require repletion doses of vitamins and minerals. For remission a lifelong gluten free diet is required. Gluten free foods are now widely available however label reading is important.

Coeliac
The nutritional management of diabetes Select

Managing diet is a priority for the health and wellbeing of people with diabetes. Measures such as glycaemic index, glycaemic load, carbohydrate counting and introducing soluble fibre into the diet can be useful in managing glycaemic control. The purchase of special “diabetic” foods is unnecessary. It is more important to read and understand food labels.

Diabetes
Infant formula Select

Although breastfeeding is the best option for an infant, cows’ milk based formula is recommended if breast feeding does not occur. Soy based formula is rarely indicated and is not necessary for an infant with a cows’ milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Hydrolysed cows’ milk formula and lactose-free or lactose-reduced cows’ milk formula can be used in these circumstances.

Formula
Vitamins and minerals: dietary sources, supplements and deficiencies Select

In most cases, nutrient needs can be met by consuming a well balanced diet, without the need for supplements. When a nutrient is unable to be consumed in recommended amounts, fortified foods can provide an alternative source. Supplements may be appropriate in certain circumstances e.g., folic acid during pregnancy. Folate, iodine, iron and vitamin B12 are discussed.

Vitamins
Short articles Select
Antipsychotics
Essentials Select
Essentials

 About us   Contact us  Home
© bpacnz 2008  Return to top