[Malnutrition in gastroenterological diseases].

Significant weight loss, a body mass index of less than 18.5, hypoalbuminemia, and a deficiency in specific nutrients are major criteria. Depending on the underlying diagnosis, maldigestion, malabsorption, catabolism, dysphagia, anorexia and intestinal obstruction are possible causes of malnutrition. In the majority of cases, malnutrition is associated with a poorer prognosis, a reduced general health status, and poorer quality of life. This means that in addition to treatment of the underlying disease, specific nutritional support, preferably by the enteral route, with the aim of providing an adequate supply of nutrients and improving the patient's general nutritional status is of importance.