MNA® (Mini Nutritional Assessment)

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The MNA® is a validated screening and assessment tool that can identify geriatric patients at risk of malnutrition. Instead of resorting to blood tests to screen and monitor an elderly person's nutritional status, health professionals are resorting to a pen and paper – and now, a computer! Developed by the Nestlé Research Center, in collaboration with hospital clinicians, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is comprised of 15 questions, and four anthropometric measures, that can quickly and effectively assess measure the malnutrition risk of an elderly patient. This innovative clinical evaluation has been validated in studies both in the United States and internationally.

Using MNA®

The MNA® is comprised of two sections: screening and assessment. In the screening section, five questions are asked, and the patient's BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated, using the patient's height and weight. From these six items, a score is calculated, which will indicate whether there is possible malnutrition.

If possible malnutrition is indicated from the screening, the assessment section will clarify whether there is a future risk of malnutrition, or if malnourishment is currently present with the individual. The assessment section is comprised of 10 questions, and two anthropometric measures – mid-arm circumference and calf circumference.

Click here for a downloadable PDF* of the MNA®.

Note: The MNA® Questionnaire is only validated for patients over the age of 65.

For more information on this research, including validation and clinical practices, visit mna-elderly.com.

For more information on Nestlé Nutrition products, call your Sales Representative or call Nestlé InfoLink™ Product and Nutrition Information Services at 800-422-ASK2 (2752).