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11.03.2026 09:18
DGG: Avoid malnutrition in old age and ensure protein supply – new information flyer published
The Nutrition and Metabolism working group of the German Society for Geriatrics (DGG) has published two new patient flyers that offer practical help in the areas of malnutrition and protein supply for the everyday life of older people. “The flyers offer general practitioners’ practices, geriatricians, care facilities and other care partners a low-threshold tool to address and explain malnutrition and insufficient protein intake in a structured manner and to initiate initial measures,” says group leader Dr. Mirja Katrin Modreker. Both flyers can be downloaded free of charge from the working group’s website.
It is expressly desired that these are also printed out in doctor’s offices, for example, and given a practice stamp and passed on to patients, relatives and other interested parties.
Concrete added value for everyday life: The malnutrition flyer explains in an easy-to-understand manner how those affected and their relatives recognize malnutrition – for example through unwanted weight loss, reduced appetite and increasing weakness – and shows typical causes such as acute or chronic illnesses, chewing and swallowing difficulties, loneliness or limited mobility. Directly implementable solution ideas are suggested, for example appetite-stimulating spices, soft or strained foods for swallowing problems, meals on wheels or shared meals.
Malnutrition increases the risk of muscle weakness, falls and infections
Malnutrition is not only a problem with being underweight; patients who are formally of normal weight can also be affected. Malnutrition also often occurs as a result of illnesses – and significantly increases the risk of muscle weakness, falls and infections. The new flyer presents these connections in a patient-oriented manner – in combination with easy-to-implement, small-step measures that those affected can tackle themselves and together with relatives or the treatment team.
The flyer also contains everyday tips for increasing energy intake – for example by enriching dishes with oil, cheese, cream, butter or nuts – as well as high-calorie snack and recipe ideas such as yoghurt drinks, egg salad, ham and cheese rolls or semolina porridge with cream. A simple weekly overview helps patients plan three main meals and two snacks per day and check whether the set nutritional goals have been achieved.
Protein supply: New and practice-relevant findings
The Protein Flyer focuses on adequate protein intake as the key to maintaining muscle strength, bone stability and a strong immune system as we age. The protein content of typical foods is listed in clear tables according to usual portions and linked to everyday tips – such as using quark as a spread, stirring an egg into soup, gratinating vegetables with cheese or planning protein-rich snacks such as fruit quark, yoghurt with nut butter or a boiled egg.
People aged 65 and over generally need more protein than younger adults: around one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended, and usually even higher amounts if you are ill. This age-appropriate recommendation reflects the current state of scientific knowledge and is new for many patients, who often assume significantly lower guideline values. It is emphasized that proteins are particularly effective in combination with exercise and can therefore better maintain strength and endurance. The targeted combination of plant protein sources is newly emphasized in order to increase their biological value.
Original publication:
https://www.dggeriatrie.de/images/Dokumente/251209-dgg-mangelernaehrung.pdf
https://www.dggeriatrie.de/images/Dokumente/251209-dgg-protein.pdf
Further information:
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The new information flyers on malnutrition from the DGG: Developed by geriatric physicians Dr. Mirja…
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Copyright: DGG
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Nutrition / Health / Care, Medicine
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