The situation of the Hungarian hospital diet and the importance of the dietary supplements in the medical attendance

Abstract

A well-planned hospital diet (adequate energy, micro and macro nutrient content) is one of the most important elements of the therapy. The present article analyses the role and situation of the diets used in Hungarian hospitals in order to improve the success of recovery and the level of medical attendance. Method: to compare the results and suggestions of international research to the Hungarian situation considering regulation and expe - riences from the practice. Conclusion: in some cases, (e.g.: high malnutrition risk, texture modified diets) a lower energy and nutrition input is more common, so we need to give more attention to plan the dieto- and nutrition therapy. If a hospital diet is not able to ensure the nutrients for the successful recovery, the use of dietary supplements is crucial. To improve subjective and objective opinions of the patient catering, there is a need for the commitment of the Hungarian legislative bodies and decision makers (detailed revision of the regulation, rising up of the daily fee for the patient catering) and the dietitians’ active participation in the individual hospital patient care.