The impact of medication on nutritional status of older people

Abstract

Medications confer both benefits and incur costs to people. While the benefits are apparent, that is, the person feels well again, the costs are not necessarily apparent and are quite extensive. Costs can be classified into two groups, the impact on the individual, such as side effects and nutrient deficiencies; and the systemic issues, which range from health professional training to bureaucratic requirements. Until the management of the impact of drugs on the nutritional health of older people is integrated into daily clinical care and practice, they will be particularly vulnerable to the consequences of its omission. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.