Nutritional assessment in the elderly: biochemical analyses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe briefly the anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary components of a complete nutritional assessment and to examine four common nutritional concerns in the elderly and the biochemical tests that aid in the identification and treatment of these disorders.

DATA SOURCES: Clinical expertise/practice, recent professional journals, and textbooks.

STUDY SELECTION: Not applicable.

DATA EXTRACTION: Clinical practice and literature review.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Biochemical assays are one aspect of a complete nutritional assessment that provides valuable information in the determination of an individual's nutritional status and the identification of any nutrient deficiencies or excesses. As part of this nutritional assessment, specific biochemical tests are ordered to substantiate further or to rule out nutrient deficiencies or excesses gleaned from the clinical, dietary, and anthropometric components of the complete nutritional assessment.

CONCLUSION: Given the increased potential for nutritional problems in the elderly, a comprehensive nutritional assessment should be performed as a routine part of elderly care. This assessment includes anthropometric measurements, biochemical assays, a clinical examination for signs of deficiencies or excesses, and a complete dietary evaluation to determine current intake and make necessary recommendations.