90% of residents in a nursing home in Mallorca suffer from malnutrition

PalmA study published in theBalearic Islands Aging Yearbook 2025A study presented this Thursday revealed malnutrition in 90% of the residents of a nursing home in Mallorca. The research, authored by geriatrician and gerontologist Oriol Miralles, also confirms this prevalence of malnutrition with sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and functional and cognitive decline, with an increased risk of clinical deterioration. The study also notes that despite the incidence of malnutrition, a low rate of nutritional supplementation was detected, especially in mild cases, highlighting the lack of systematic screening and preventative measures.

According to the expert, the results of the study, which was carried out at the Son Caulelles residence, justify the implementation of a structured intervention model, with general measures, adapted actions, and follow-up protocols based on the criteria of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). More specifically, the study reinforces the need to improve meal environments and timing, as well as to incorporate fortified and adapted diets, and supplementation programs according to the severity of malnutrition.

Population, sample, and results

The sample consisted of 72 institutionalized residents with no exclusion criteria, as a cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted with all users of the center. The mean age of the participants was 84.3 years, with a predominance of women (79.2%). The degree of functional dependency was classified according to the Law for the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Care for People in Situations of Dependency, with a predominance of level III (93%), the highest level of dependency. According to the main results, 90.3% of the residents in the sample presented with malnutrition, 66.7% of whom were classified as having mild-to-moderate malnutrition and 31.9% as having severe malnutrition. Only 8.3% of the residents did not show criteria for malnutrition. Malnutrition was observed with high frequency across all levels of functional dependence, especially among residents with moderate dependence (45.8% of those with mild malnutrition and 47.8% of those with severe malnutrition) and severe dependence (27.1% and 30.4%, respectively). No malnourished resident showed functional independence. Regarding the distribution by sex, the majority of malnourished residents were women, consistent with the predominance of women in the sample. The study also points to a relationship between malnutrition and sarcopenia, since 97% of the sample was diagnosed with muscle wasting, and of these, 90% presented with malnutrition. Furthermore, all residents presented some degree of cognitive impairment, with a clear concentration in the moderate (29%) and severe (64%) levels. The prevalence of malnutrition increases with the degree of cognitive impairment. Thus, 38% of residents with moderate impairment and 44% of those with severe impairment were malnourished. This finding suggests, according to the study, that cognitive deficits can hinder adequate food intake, especially in advanced stages.