There are liquidised high protein foods, high calory foods, foods free from salt or sugar, etc. The foods are selected according to the needs of the patient. The strength of the patient can be built up so that they can survive an operation or recover from an operation. Here selected amino acids and carbohydrates are in a sterilised solution that can be slowly dripped into a vein. It is a more radical and more expensive feeding method and care has to be taken not to feed too quickly or there can be an adverse reaction from the patient.
Many ill people die from the combined effects of malnutrition and their illness.
It is possible to overcome the effect of malnutrition.