The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is a comprehensive screening and assessment tool designed specifically for geriatric patients aged 65 and older. It exists in two primary forms: the MNA-Short Form (MNA-SF) and the full MNA. The components vary depending on which version is used, with the short form serving as an initial screen and the full form providing a more detailed assessment for those identified as at risk.
Components of the MNA-Short Form (MNA-SF)
The MNA-SF is a quick, six-item screening questionnaire that is the preferred tool for clinical use, taking less than five minutes to complete. A low score on the MNA-SF prompts a more in-depth assessment using the full MNA. For a detailed list of the six components of the MNA-SF, see {Link: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12608501/}.
Components of the Full MNA
The full MNA contains 18 items used for a more comprehensive assessment. These items are categorized into four sections: Anthropometric Assessment (including BMI, weight loss, mid-arm and calf circumference), General Assessment (covering living situation, medication use, pressure sores, mobility, acute stress, and neuropsychological problems), Dietary Assessment (focusing on meal frequency, protein/fruit/vegetable intake, fluid intake, and mode of feeding), and Subjective Assessment (evaluating self-perception of nutritional and health status). For a complete list of all 18 items, consult {Link: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12608501/}.
Comparison of MNA-SF and Full MNA Components
| Feature | MNA-Short Form (MNA-SF) | Full MNA |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 6 questions/items | 18 questions/items |
| Purpose | Rapid screening for malnutrition risk | Comprehensive nutritional assessment |
| Time to Complete | Less than 5 minutes | Approximately 10-15 minutes or more |
| Core Components | Food intake decline, weight loss, mobility, acute stress/disease, neuropsychological problems, BMI (or CC) | Four sections: Anthropometric, General, Dietary, and Subjective assessments |
| Scoring | Total score max 14 points. Scores 0-7: malnourished; 8-11: at risk; 12-14: normal | Total score max 30 points. Scores <17: malnourished; 17-23.5: at risk; ≥24: normal |
| Use Case | Clinical settings for initial screening | Further assessment for at-risk individuals and research |
The Scoring and Interpretation Process
The process typically starts with the MNA-SF. A score of 12-14 suggests normal nutritional status, while a score of 11 or less indicates a risk of malnutrition and necessitates a full MNA. The full MNA score (out of 30) further categorizes individuals: 24-30 is normal, 17-23.5 is at risk, and below 17 is malnourished, requiring intervention. This process efficiently identifies those needing nutritional support.
Conclusion
The MNA screening tool's components offer a systematic way to evaluate the nutritional status of older adults. Both the MNA-SF and full MNA consider various factors beyond just diet, including physical measurements, general health, lifestyle, and subjective perceptions. This comprehensive approach helps healthcare providers identify individuals at risk of malnutrition, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes. The MNA-SF's speed and practicality make it widely used in geriatric care. For detailed information on the MNA components and their development, refer to {Link: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12608501/} and {Link: mna-elderly.com https://www.mna-elderly.com/development-and-validation}.
