Individualized dietary intervention and hospitalized patients, Tehran, Iran

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is first to examine whether standard hospital food met patients' requirements and second, to evaluate the effect of individualized dietary intervention on weight, BMI and body composition of the patients.Design/methodology/approach – In total, 69 patients (37 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group) were randomly selected. Weight, height and body composition measurements were performed in both groups within 24 h after admission and at discharge. In the intervention group, encouraging with eating and drinking, replacing missed meals with supplements or enteral nutrition were used as strategies to improve dietary intake. Frequency, chi‐square, Wilcoxon and paired t‐test were used to analyze data.Findings – Before intervention daily energy and protein intake were significantly lower than required amounts in both groups. After intervention energy intake met requirements in the intervention group while it was still less than requirements in the control group. P...