Nutrition in illness and recovery. 

Practice-based research on optimal recognition, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition and sarcopenia, the synergy of nutrition and exercise and sustainable nutritional intervention.

Dietetics, malnutrition, nutritional assessment, nutrition & exercise, sustainable nutrition

Nutrition in illness and recovery

Research Line: Nutrition in Disease and Recovery

This research line focuses on clinical nutrition and nutritional status, addressing conditions such as malnutrition, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and frailty. It aims to identify optimal nutrition strategies for hospital patients and vulnerable groups, including sustainable approaches, while exploring the synergy between nutrition and exercise in maintaining and restoring muscle mass and function in patients. A key aspect is the promotion of interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration in healthcare.

In 2005, the research began with the development and implementation of the SNAQ (Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire), a malnutrition screening tool still widely used across various healthcare sectors today. This work underscored the importance of early recognition and effective treatment of malnutrition and expanded to emphasize the combined role of nutrition and exercise in preventing muscle loss and promoting recovery.

The research is characterized by its practice-based approach, with a strong emphasis on healthcare innovation and implementation.

Co-supervisor of 9 PHD-students: Carliene van Dronkelaar (VU, ProIntens), Judith van Zwienen (VU, malnutrition in older persons), Anne Slotegraaf (WUR - nutrition & COVID (ParaCov), Charlotte van Westerhuis (UvA, nutrition and exercise: Samen beter worden met AI), Maaike van Bree (UvA, sustainable nutrition in the hospital (PEARLS), Jellie Zuidema (Tilburg University, PLINT, malnutrition in primary care), Tamara de Haas (UvA, Ingredients), Maxime van den Heuvel (UvA, healthy and sustainable food evironment) and Lisa van Bodegraven (UvA, foodwaste management)

And finished co-supervision, both on malnutrition, of Janneke Schilp (2013) and Eva Leistra (2015)