Why is my grandfather not retaining the nutrients provided to him through his food and vitamins?

Jul 12, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. The weight loss is so scary. My 88 yr old Dad just got over a period where he lost a great deal of weight. It was hard to diagnose his problem - he had an ileus where food was not moving from his stomach into his intestine. So, the calories and nutrients were not being absorbed plus he felt very sick all the time and didn't want to eat anything. If your grandfather cannot digest the food he eats or absorb the nutrients that that are in the food then that may be the cause of his weight loss and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
There are a lot of other reasons for weight loss. Cancer will often cause rapid and serious weight loss because the cancer cells grow faster than normal cells and require more calories plus nutrients to support their fast growth. If he has cancer then that could be the reason why the food he eats is not helping him.
Is he on medication? Some medicines reduce the appetite and make people feel too sick to eat. And, unfortunately, sometimes people just don't feel like eating . The longer they don't eat the weaker they start to feel. The weaker they feel the less they want to eat.
You and your grandfather are in my prayers. I hope they can find out what's wrong and help him feel better.

4NurseCher

Jul 12, 2011

My mother-in-law has Alzheimer's and we hav the same problem. We feed her 3 small meals a day...with snacks in between. Whatever she wants....high carbs and fat....she just keeps losing weight. I can not believe qwhat she eats and then she doesn't put on a poud! Is this an Alzheimer's trait?

coach

Jul 12, 2011

This samething happened with my favorite Aunt. Her Dr. said that there comes a point when the body is no longer able to absorbe nutirents. He called it failure to thrive. Said it was a part of the dying process. I hope this isn't the same situation for you. The Dr suggested we use the services of the local Hospice. Hospice allowed my Aunt to pass with dignity. They kept her comfortable up to the end.

Jennie

Jul 12, 2011

Don't forget that muscles atrophy if they aren't used, too. Sorry to hear about your loved one's illness.

shicks2

Jul 12, 2011

MY FATHER IS THE SAME WAY! HE HAS BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 2 MONTHS AND HE HAS LOST WEIGHT. SOMETIMES WHATEVER ILLNES THEY HAVE CAN CAUSE THIS. MY FATHER HAS PROSTATE CANCER AND HAS A FEEDING TUBE HE HAS LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT. HE ALSO HAS A CONTINOUS ILESUS WHICH CAN DEPRIVE THEM OF NUTRIENTS TOO! GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR GRANDFATHER HOPE HE GETS BETTER!

anonymous101100

Jul 13, 2011

I read on the alzheimers site that no matter how much they eat, there comes a time their body cannot retain the nourishment and they lose weight. Sorry to hear. I would try Shakes and just do your best, thats all you can do. YOu can get Boost,or Ensure of carnation instant breakfasts too.