Special oral formulas for medical purposes may reduce the risk of death and serious complications in elderly, malnourished or malnourished hospital patients. This is the result of a new Cochrane Review coordinated by researchers from the Institute for Evidence in Medicine at the University Medical Center Freiburg.

The systematic review evaluated 21 studies with a total of 3,309 older patients (average age 75 to 85 years). Compared to standard care, it was shown that special liquid food may reduce the risk of death up to discharge or within a month. Severe complications also occurred less frequently with this intervention. However, the quality of evidence was classified as low.

For other oral nutritional measures – such as additional protein supplements, high-calorie supplements, individual help with meals or comprehensive nutritional therapy – the authors found no clear advantages over standard care. In many cases, the data situation was too uncertain to make reliable statements.

PD Dr. Eva Kiesswetter, first author of the review, explained that malnutrition among older people in hospital is an underestimated problem. Many of those affected already have a poor nutritional status before admission, which can deteriorate further due to acute illnesses. The review shows that further high-quality studies are needed to identify the best nutritional strategies for this vulnerable group.

Malnutrition in the elderly in hospital can lead to delayed wound healing, longer length of stay and increased mortality. Experts have been calling for better early detection and a strengthening of nutritional therapy in clinics for some time. Politicians recently decided to develop mandatory quality requirements for the screening and treatment of malnutrition in inpatient admission by the end of 2027.

The Cochrane Review was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and provides important information for clinical practice and future research needs.

Original Paper:

Oral nutritional interventions in hospitalised older people at nutritional risk: a network meta‐analysis of individual participant data – Kiesswetter, E – 2026 | Cochrane Library

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability ected.