When Should Nutritional Supplements be Administered?
Nutritional supplements should be administered based on individual patient needs, which can be determined through comprehensive assessments. Factors to consider include:
- [Dietary intake](): Evaluate the patient's regular diet to identify any gaps in nutrient intake. - [Medical history](): Chronic conditions, surgeries, and other medical factors can influence the need for supplements. - [Lab results](): Blood tests and other diagnostic tools can help identify deficiencies. - [Clinical symptoms](): Symptoms such as fatigue, poor wound healing, or muscle weakness may indicate a need for supplementation.