About this Research Topic

Background

Malnutrition (undernutrition) is defined as a state consequent to a lack of intake or uptake of nutrition that leads to altered body composition, reduced physical and cognitive function, and impaired clinical outcome from disease. A poor nutritional status is common in patients affected by chronic diseases and may negatively affect diagnosis, prognosis, and the clinical course of disease. Thus, the assessment of nutritional status plays a crucial role in the management of chronic diseases. It involves a multidimensional approach, including different factors such as dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and clinical evaluation. Anthropometric measurements and body composition offer valuable insights into the assessment of nutritional status and risk of complications. In addition, biochemical markers provide objective data on nutritional deficiencies and metabolic abnormalities. Factors such as inflammation and comorbidities can influence nutritional biomarkers, necessitating careful interpretation.

Nevertheless, the assessment of nutritional status, from nutritional screening to diagnosis, is often not adequately considered in the multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of patients affected by chronic diseases. By investigating methodologies, challenges, and clinical implications, this Research Topic has the potential to enhance our understanding of the role of nutrition in chronic diseases and improve patient outcomes through more effective management strategies.

Original articles, literature and systematic reviews, and meta-analyses are welcomed.

Keywords: Malnutrition, Risk of Malnutrition, Nutritional Screening, Screening Tools, Nutritional Status, Nutritional Depletion, Undernutrition, Underfeeding, Food Intake, BMI, Body Composition

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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