Malnutrition Linked to Worse COVID-19 Outcomes in Key Age Groups

A new study has examined the link between malnutrition and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Researchers analysed medical records from US hospitals during the early months of the pandemic. Their findings highlight how malnutrition affects different age groups differently. The study reviewed data from 8,604 children and 94,495 adults hospitalised with COVID-19 between March and June 2020. Among these, 6% of children and 11% of adults had severe cases. Patients with a malnutrition diagnosis from 2015 to 2019 were compared to those without one.

Results showed malnutrition increased the risk of severe COVID-19 for children over five and adults aged 18 to 78. Among mild cases, 1.5% of children and 1.8% of adults had a prior malnutrition diagnosis. For severe cases, the figures rose to 7.5% of children and 4% of adults.

Interestingly, children under five and adults aged 79 or older with malnutrition had lower odds of severe illness than their non-malnourished peers. However, in adults over 79, the risk of severe COVID-19 increased with age regardless of malnutrition status. The authors recommend targeted public health measures for those most at risk of malnutrition. They argue this could help reduce the likelihood of severe COVID-19 in vulnerable groups. The study underscores the importance of addressing malnutrition in pandemic preparedness.