Miyoko Nakasato

Estado nutricional e adequação da ingestão de energia e nutrientes em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca

SUMMARY: Increased knowledge about nutritional status and energy and nutrient intakes is required to improve the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES: To verify the nutritional status and evaluate the adequacy of energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in patients with HF in outpatient clinical settings. METHODS: We collected anthropometric and habitual dietary intake data of 125 patients (72% men, 52.1 ± 9.8 years, BMI 26.9 ± 4.4 kg/m2). Anthropometric variables were compared between genders, and the adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes was analyzed according to current recommendations. RESULTS: Muscle depletion or risk of depletion was present in 38.4% of patients (association with male gender, p <0.0001). In 69.6% of cases the mean energy intake was lower than the one required (p <0.0001). Among the micronutrients evaluated in this study, there was an important prevalence of inadequacy in magnesium, zinc, iron and thiamine intakes, and most patients had calcium and potassium intakes below the adequate levels, and sodium intake above the adequate levels. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatients with HF showed muscle depletion, and inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. There was no significant association between habitual dietary energy intake and nutritional status. Multidisciplinary care should be encouraged to better assess the general condition of these patients.SUMMARY Increased knowledge about nutritional status and energy and nutrient intakes is required to improve the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES To verify the nutritional status and evaluate the adequacy of energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in patients with HF in outpatient clinical settings. METHODS We collected anthropometric and habitual dietary intake data of 125 patients (72% men, 52.1 +/- 9.8 years, BMI 26.9 +/- 4.4 kg/m2). Anthropometric variables were compared between genders, and the adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes was analyzed according to current recommendations. RESULTS Muscle depletion or risk of depletion was present in 38.4% of patients (association with male gender, p <0.0001). In 69.6% of cases the mean energy intake was lower than the one required (p <0.0001). Among the micronutrients evaluated in this study, there was an important prevalence of inadequacy in magnesium, zinc, iron and thiamine intakes, and most patients had calcium and potassium intakes below the adequate levels, and sodium intake above the adequate levels. CONCLUSIONS Outpatients with HF showed muscle depletion, and inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. There was no significant association between habitual dietary energy intake and nutritional status. Multidisciplinary care should be encouraged to better assess the general condition of these patients.

Nutritional status and adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes among heart failure patients

SUMMARY: Increased knowledge about nutritional status and energy and nutrient intakes is required to improve the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES: To verify the nutritional status and evaluate the adequacy of energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in patients with HF in outpatient clinical settings. METHODS: We collected anthropometric and habitual dietary intake data of 125 patients (72% men, 52.1 ± 9.8 years, BMI 26.9 ± 4.4 kg/m2). Anthropometric variables were compared between genders, and the adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes was analyzed according to current recommendations. RESULTS: Muscle depletion or risk of depletion was present in 38.4% of patients (association with male gender, p <0.0001). In 69.6% of cases the mean energy intake was lower than the one required (p <0.0001). Among the micronutrients evaluated in this study, there was an important prevalence of inadequacy in magnesium, zinc, iron and thiamine intakes, and most patients had calcium and potassium intakes below the adequate levels, and sodium intake above the adequate levels. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatients with HF showed muscle depletion, and inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. There was no significant association between habitual dietary energy intake and nutritional status. Multidisciplinary care should be encouraged to better assess the general condition of these patients.SUMMARY Increased knowledge about nutritional status and energy and nutrient intakes is required to improve the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES To verify the nutritional status and evaluate the adequacy of energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in patients with HF in outpatient clinical settings. METHODS We collected anthropometric and habitual dietary intake data of 125 patients (72% men, 52.1 +/- 9.8 years, BMI 26.9 +/- 4.4 kg/m2). Anthropometric variables were compared between genders, and the adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes was analyzed according to current recommendations. RESULTS Muscle depletion or risk of depletion was present in 38.4% of patients (association with male gender, p <0.0001). In 69.6% of cases the mean energy intake was lower than the one required (p <0.0001). Among the micronutrients evaluated in this study, there was an important prevalence of inadequacy in magnesium, zinc, iron and thiamine intakes, and most patients had calcium and potassium intakes below the adequate levels, and sodium intake above the adequate levels. CONCLUSIONS Outpatients with HF showed muscle depletion, and inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. There was no significant association between habitual dietary energy intake and nutritional status. Multidisciplinary care should be encouraged to better assess the general condition of these patients.

Is the low-sodium diet actually indicated for all patients with stable heart failure?

FUNDAMENTO: Aunque se indica una dieta hiposodica para la IC, no hay evidencia de que esta restriccion es beneficiosa para todos los pacientes. OBJETIVO: Estudiar prospectivamente los efectos agudos de una dieta hiposodica en pacientes (pcs) con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). METODOS: Fueron estudiados cincuenta pacientes ambulatorios estables con IC leve a moderada, que relataron consumir previamente 6,6 g sal/dia. En la fase I, todos los pcs fueron sometidos a una dieta con 2g de sal durante 7 dias, seguido por aleatorizacion en dos subgrupos (fase 2), para recibir 6g de sal (subgrupo I) o 2g de sal/dia por 7 dias (subgrupo II). RESULTADOS: Fase 1: la dieta con 2g de sal redujo el indice de masa corporal (IMC), sodio plasmatico y sodio urinario, consumo de proteina, hierro, zinc, selenio y vitamina B12; aumento los niveles plasmaticos de norepinefrina, nitrato, aldosterona serica, y mejoro la calidad de vida. Fase 2: para pcs con IMC bajo, el uso de 6g de sal/dia disminuyo de forma aguda los niveles de norepinefrina, albumina y colesterol en el plasma. No se encontro ninguna diferencia en pcs con IMC mas alto. CONCLUSION: La dieta con 2g de sal/dia para pcs con IC aumento la activacion neurohormonal asociada a la progresion de la IC. El IMC puede tener influencia en la respuesta de la activacion neurohormonal en una hiposodica en la IC. Se recomiendan futuros estudios para probar la restriccion a la ingesta de sal por periodos mas largos.FUNDAMENTO: Embora uma dietahipossodica seja indicada para a insuficiencia cardiaca IC, nao ha evidencia de que esta restricao seja benefica para todos os pacientes. OBJETIVO: Estudar prospectivamente os efeitos agudos de uma dieta hipossodica em pacientes (pcs) com insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Metodos: Cinquenta pacientes ambulatoriais estaveis, com IC leve a moderada, que relataram consumir previamente 6,6 g sal/dia foram estudados. Na Fase 1, todos os pcs foram submetidos a uma dieta com 2 g de sal durante 7 dias, seguido por randomizacao em dois subgrupos (fase 2), para receber 6 g de sal/dia (subgrupo 1) ou 2 g de sal/dia, por 7 dias (subgrupo II). RESULTADOS: Fase 1: a dieta com 2 g de sal/dia reduziu o indice de massa corporal (IMC), sodio plasmatico e sodio urinario, consumo de proteina, ferro, zinco, selenio e vitamina B12; aumentou os niveis plasmaticos de norepinefrina, nitrato, aldosterona serica, e melhorou a qualidade de vida. Fase 2: para pcs com IMC baixo, o uso de 6 g de sal/dia diminuiu de forma aguda os niveis de norepinefrina, albumina e colesterol no plasma. Nenhuma diferenca foi encontrada em pcs com IMC mais alto. CONCLUSAO: A dieta com 2g de sal /dia para pcs com IC aumentou a ativacao neuro-hormonal associada a progressao da IC. O IMC pode influenciar a resposta da ativacao neurohormonal em uma dieta hipossodica na IC. Futuros estudos para testar a restricao a ingestao de sal por periodos mais longos sao recomendados.BACKGROUND Although a low-sodium diet is indicated for heart failure HF, there is no evidence this dietary restriction is beneficial to all patients. OBJECTIVE To prospectively study the acute effectsof a low-sodium diet in patients (pts) with heart failure (HF). METHODS Fifty stable outpatients with mild to moderate HF who reported previously consuming 6.6 g table salt/day were studied. In Phase 1, all pts were submitted to a diet with 2 g of salt during 7 days, followed by randomization in 2 subgroups (Phase 2): one to receive 6 g of salt (subgroup 1) and the other, 2 g of salt/day for 7 days (subgroup II). RESULTS Phase 1: the diet with 2 g of salt reduced the BMI, plasma and urinary sodium, protein consumption, iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin B12; it increased plasma levels of norepinephrine, nitrate, serum aldosterone and improved quality of life. Phase 2: for pts with low BMI, the use of 6 g salt/day acutely decreased the levels of norepinephrine, albumin and cholesterol in plasma. No difference was observed in pts with higher BMI. CONCLUSION The diet with 2 g salt/day for pts with HF increased the neurohormonal activation associated to HF progression. The BMI can influence the response to the neurohormonal activation in a low-sodium diet in pts with HF. Further studies to test salt restriction for longer periods are recommended.

A dieta com baixo teor de sódio é de fato indicada para todos os pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca estável

FUNDAMENTO: Aunque se indica una dieta hiposodica para la IC, no hay evidencia de que esta restriccion es beneficiosa para todos los pacientes. OBJETIVO: Estudiar prospectivamente los efectos agudos de una dieta hiposodica en pacientes (pcs) con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). METODOS: Fueron estudiados cincuenta pacientes ambulatorios estables con IC leve a moderada, que relataron consumir previamente 6,6 g sal/dia. En la fase I, todos los pcs fueron sometidos a una dieta con 2g de sal durante 7 dias, seguido por aleatorizacion en dos subgrupos (fase 2), para recibir 6g de sal (subgrupo I) o 2g de sal/dia por 7 dias (subgrupo II). RESULTADOS: Fase 1: la dieta con 2g de sal redujo el indice de masa corporal (IMC), sodio plasmatico y sodio urinario, consumo de proteina, hierro, zinc, selenio y vitamina B12; aumento los niveles plasmaticos de norepinefrina, nitrato, aldosterona serica, y mejoro la calidad de vida. Fase 2: para pcs con IMC bajo, el uso de 6g de sal/dia disminuyo de forma aguda los niveles de norepinefrina, albumina y colesterol en el plasma. No se encontro ninguna diferencia en pcs con IMC mas alto. CONCLUSION: La dieta con 2g de sal/dia para pcs con IC aumento la activacion neurohormonal asociada a la progresion de la IC. El IMC puede tener influencia en la respuesta de la activacion neurohormonal en una hiposodica en la IC. Se recomiendan futuros estudios para probar la restriccion a la ingesta de sal por periodos mas largos.FUNDAMENTO: Embora uma dietahipossodica seja indicada para a insuficiencia cardiaca IC, nao ha evidencia de que esta restricao seja benefica para todos os pacientes. OBJETIVO: Estudar prospectivamente os efeitos agudos de uma dieta hipossodica em pacientes (pcs) com insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Metodos: Cinquenta pacientes ambulatoriais estaveis, com IC leve a moderada, que relataram consumir previamente 6,6 g sal/dia foram estudados. Na Fase 1, todos os pcs foram submetidos a uma dieta com 2 g de sal durante 7 dias, seguido por randomizacao em dois subgrupos (fase 2), para receber 6 g de sal/dia (subgrupo 1) ou 2 g de sal/dia, por 7 dias (subgrupo II). RESULTADOS: Fase 1: a dieta com 2 g de sal/dia reduziu o indice de massa corporal (IMC), sodio plasmatico e sodio urinario, consumo de proteina, ferro, zinco, selenio e vitamina B12; aumentou os niveis plasmaticos de norepinefrina, nitrato, aldosterona serica, e melhorou a qualidade de vida. Fase 2: para pcs com IMC baixo, o uso de 6 g de sal/dia diminuiu de forma aguda os niveis de norepinefrina, albumina e colesterol no plasma. Nenhuma diferenca foi encontrada em pcs com IMC mais alto. CONCLUSAO: A dieta com 2g de sal /dia para pcs com IC aumentou a ativacao neuro-hormonal associada a progressao da IC. O IMC pode influenciar a resposta da ativacao neurohormonal em uma dieta hipossodica na IC. Futuros estudos para testar a restricao a ingestao de sal por periodos mais longos sao recomendados.BACKGROUND Although a low-sodium diet is indicated for heart failure HF, there is no evidence this dietary restriction is beneficial to all patients. OBJECTIVE To prospectively study the acute effectsof a low-sodium diet in patients (pts) with heart failure (HF). METHODS Fifty stable outpatients with mild to moderate HF who reported previously consuming 6.6 g table salt/day were studied. In Phase 1, all pts were submitted to a diet with 2 g of salt during 7 days, followed by randomization in 2 subgroups (Phase 2): one to receive 6 g of salt (subgroup 1) and the other, 2 g of salt/day for 7 days (subgroup II). RESULTS Phase 1: the diet with 2 g of salt reduced the BMI, plasma and urinary sodium, protein consumption, iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin B12; it increased plasma levels of norepinephrine, nitrate, serum aldosterone and improved quality of life. Phase 2: for pts with low BMI, the use of 6 g salt/day acutely decreased the levels of norepinephrine, albumin and cholesterol in plasma. No difference was observed in pts with higher BMI. CONCLUSION The diet with 2 g salt/day for pts with HF increased the neurohormonal activation associated to HF progression. The BMI can influence the response to the neurohormonal activation in a low-sodium diet in pts with HF. Further studies to test salt restriction for longer periods are recommended.

Perfil nutricional de pacientes candidatos ao transplante de pulmão

OBJECTIVE To determine the nutritional profile of lung transplant candidates. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study involving lung transplant candidates at a public hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Data related to gender, age and underlying lung disease were compiled for the participants. For the assessment of the nutritional profile of the patients, body mass index (BMI), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), waist circumference and triceps skinfold thickness (TST) were determined during the first outpatient visit. RESULTS We included 117 patients, 69 of which (59%) were male. The mean age of the participants was 42.5 +/- 15.2 years. The most prevalent underlying disease, seen in 29 patients (24.8%), was pulmonary emphysema. The nutritional profile was considered normal in 48.3% of the patients with pulmonary emphysema, 55% of those with cystic fibrosis, 56% of those with bronchiectasis and 50% of those with other lung diseases. The majority (51.7%) of the patients with pulmonary fibrosis were classified as overweight. The TSTs indicated that the risk of depletion was highest (64.7%) among the patients with cystic fibrosis, followed by those with bronchiectasis (52.6%). CONCLUSIONS Patients with pulmonary fibrosis presented the highest BMIs, although the corresponding TSTs and MAMCs were normal. Patients with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis presented the highest prevalence of nutritional depletion, based on TST and MAMC.

Evolução do estado nutricional de pacientes desnutridos ou com excesso de peso candidatos a transplante pulmonar

A retrospective study using anthropometric data to assess the evolution of nutritional status in lung transplant candidates who are initially malnourished or overweight. We included patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) < 17 kg/m(2) (malnourished, n = 10) or > 27 kg/m(2) (overweight, n = 20). Each patient subsequently had three appointments with a nutritionist (nutritional interventions). In the malnourished group, there were no significant post-intervention changes in the anthropometric variables. In the overweight group, however, nutritional intervention had a positive impact on weight, BMI and waist circumference.

A Gastronomia Hospitalar como Instrumento de Humanização

Introducao: a alimentacao hospitalar e reconhecida por sua importância no atendimento as necessidades fisicas e nutricionais dos pacientes. Porem, existe uma vulnerabilidade da aceitacao da dieta hospitalar quando esta e baseada apenas em conhecimentos tecnico-cientificos. Assim, o cuidado humanizado, no que tange a alimentacao, envolve os aspectos nutricionais e higienico-sanitarios, mas tambem o cuidado, conforto, acolhimento e as dimensoes simbolicas e sensoriais da alimentacao. a dieta hospitalar, que antes era vista como monotona, insipida e de odor desagradavel, hoje recebe o incremento da gastronomia e de tecnicas culinarias adaptadas as restricoes dieteticas dos pacientes internados, com a finalidade de tornar as refeicoes nutricionalmente equilibradas e ao mesmo tempo prazerosas. a humanizacao da alimentacao hospitalar deve integrar aspectos eticos que visem o atendimento individualizado; a prestacao de um servico de qualidade atraves do atendimento as expectativas do paciente; as sensacoes despertas pelo sabor, aroma, cor, temperatura e textura dos alimentos; e os aspectos simbolicos e afetivos representados pelo ato de se alimentar, que envolvem o convivio, a troca de experiencias, as comemoracoes e o respeito aos habitos culturais e alimentares de cada individuo. Objetivos: descrever as acoes humanizadoras na area da alimentacao e gastronomia de um Servico de Nutricao e Dietetica de um hospital publico especializado em cardiopneumologia de Sao Paulo. Metodos: Levantamento das acoes humanizadoras implantadas nos ultimos 10 anos. Resultados: Faz parte das acoes de humanizacao, a elaboracao de cardapios especiais para Natal e Ano Novo, utilizando preparacoes tipicas e alimentos diferenciados, com decoracao de temas natalinos nas bandejas, tornando a refeicao um momento especial. o dia das criancas e outra data lembrada pelo servico, com o intuito de levar um pouco de alegria as criancas internadas, oferecendo preparacoes como bolos, doces ou cachorro quente. Alem desses momentos especiais, o servico preocupa-se em oferecer diariamente um cardapio variado, colorido, nutricionalmente adequado e priorizando o uso de temperos naturais. Ha tambem, a aplicacao do conceito de comfort food, atendendo as solicitacoes de pedidos especiais, uma vez que o nutricionista clinico presta atendimento nutricional ao paciente considerando os habitos, as preferencias e as aversoes alimentares. Conclusao: a gastronomia e uma importante ferramenta na implantacao de um servico humanizado, contribuindo para o tratamento e conforto do paciente durante o periodo de internacao, tornando-se uma importante aliada no processo de recuperacao.

La dieta con bajo nivel de sodio es de hecho una recomendación que sirve a todos los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca estable

FUNDAMENTO: Aunque se indica una dieta hiposodica para la IC, no hay evidencia de que esta restriccion es beneficiosa para todos los pacientes. OBJETIVO: Estudiar prospectivamente los efectos agudos de una dieta hiposodica en pacientes (pcs) con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). METODOS: Fueron estudiados cincuenta pacientes ambulatorios estables con IC leve a moderada, que relataron consumir previamente 6,6 g sal/dia. En la fase I, todos los pcs fueron sometidos a una dieta con 2g de sal durante 7 dias, seguido por aleatorizacion en dos subgrupos (fase 2), para recibir 6g de sal (subgrupo I) o 2g de sal/dia por 7 dias (subgrupo II). RESULTADOS: Fase 1: la dieta con 2g de sal redujo el indice de masa corporal (IMC), sodio plasmatico y sodio urinario, consumo de proteina, hierro, zinc, selenio y vitamina B12; aumento los niveles plasmaticos de norepinefrina, nitrato, aldosterona serica, y mejoro la calidad de vida. Fase 2: para pcs con IMC bajo, el uso de 6g de sal/dia disminuyo de forma aguda los niveles de norepinefrina, albumina y colesterol en el plasma. No se encontro ninguna diferencia en pcs con IMC mas alto. CONCLUSION: La dieta con 2g de sal/dia para pcs con IC aumento la activacion neurohormonal asociada a la progresion de la IC. El IMC puede tener influencia en la respuesta de la activacion neurohormonal en una hiposodica en la IC. Se recomiendan futuros estudios para probar la restriccion a la ingesta de sal por periodos mas largos.FUNDAMENTO: Embora uma dietahipossodica seja indicada para a insuficiencia cardiaca IC, nao ha evidencia de que esta restricao seja benefica para todos os pacientes. OBJETIVO: Estudar prospectivamente os efeitos agudos de uma dieta hipossodica em pacientes (pcs) com insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Metodos: Cinquenta pacientes ambulatoriais estaveis, com IC leve a moderada, que relataram consumir previamente 6,6 g sal/dia foram estudados. Na Fase 1, todos os pcs foram submetidos a uma dieta com 2 g de sal durante 7 dias, seguido por randomizacao em dois subgrupos (fase 2), para receber 6 g de sal/dia (subgrupo 1) ou 2 g de sal/dia, por 7 dias (subgrupo II). RESULTADOS: Fase 1: a dieta com 2 g de sal/dia reduziu o indice de massa corporal (IMC), sodio plasmatico e sodio urinario, consumo de proteina, ferro, zinco, selenio e vitamina B12; aumentou os niveis plasmaticos de norepinefrina, nitrato, aldosterona serica, e melhorou a qualidade de vida. Fase 2: para pcs com IMC baixo, o uso de 6 g de sal/dia diminuiu de forma aguda os niveis de norepinefrina, albumina e colesterol no plasma. Nenhuma diferenca foi encontrada em pcs com IMC mais alto. CONCLUSAO: A dieta com 2g de sal /dia para pcs com IC aumentou a ativacao neuro-hormonal associada a progressao da IC. O IMC pode influenciar a resposta da ativacao neurohormonal em uma dieta hipossodica na IC. Futuros estudos para testar a restricao a ingestao de sal por periodos mais longos sao recomendados.BACKGROUND Although a low-sodium diet is indicated for heart failure HF, there is no evidence this dietary restriction is beneficial to all patients. OBJECTIVE To prospectively study the acute effectsof a low-sodium diet in patients (pts) with heart failure (HF). METHODS Fifty stable outpatients with mild to moderate HF who reported previously consuming 6.6 g table salt/day were studied. In Phase 1, all pts were submitted to a diet with 2 g of salt during 7 days, followed by randomization in 2 subgroups (Phase 2): one to receive 6 g of salt (subgroup 1) and the other, 2 g of salt/day for 7 days (subgroup II). RESULTS Phase 1: the diet with 2 g of salt reduced the BMI, plasma and urinary sodium, protein consumption, iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin B12; it increased plasma levels of norepinephrine, nitrate, serum aldosterone and improved quality of life. Phase 2: for pts with low BMI, the use of 6 g salt/day acutely decreased the levels of norepinephrine, albumin and cholesterol in plasma. No difference was observed in pts with higher BMI. CONCLUSION The diet with 2 g salt/day for pts with HF increased the neurohormonal activation associated to HF progression. The BMI can influence the response to the neurohormonal activation in a low-sodium diet in pts with HF. Further studies to test salt restriction for longer periods are recommended.

Estado nutricional y adecuación de la ingesta de energía y nutrientes en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca

SUMMARY: Increased knowledge about nutritional status and energy and nutrient intakes is required to improve the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES: To verify the nutritional status and evaluate the adequacy of energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in patients with HF in outpatient clinical settings. METHODS: We collected anthropometric and habitual dietary intake data of 125 patients (72% men, 52.1 ± 9.8 years, BMI 26.9 ± 4.4 kg/m2). Anthropometric variables were compared between genders, and the adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes was analyzed according to current recommendations. RESULTS: Muscle depletion or risk of depletion was present in 38.4% of patients (association with male gender, p <0.0001). In 69.6% of cases the mean energy intake was lower than the one required (p <0.0001). Among the micronutrients evaluated in this study, there was an important prevalence of inadequacy in magnesium, zinc, iron and thiamine intakes, and most patients had calcium and potassium intakes below the adequate levels, and sodium intake above the adequate levels. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatients with HF showed muscle depletion, and inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. There was no significant association between habitual dietary energy intake and nutritional status. Multidisciplinary care should be encouraged to better assess the general condition of these patients.SUMMARY Increased knowledge about nutritional status and energy and nutrient intakes is required to improve the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES To verify the nutritional status and evaluate the adequacy of energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in patients with HF in outpatient clinical settings. METHODS We collected anthropometric and habitual dietary intake data of 125 patients (72% men, 52.1 +/- 9.8 years, BMI 26.9 +/- 4.4 kg/m2). Anthropometric variables were compared between genders, and the adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes was analyzed according to current recommendations. RESULTS Muscle depletion or risk of depletion was present in 38.4% of patients (association with male gender, p <0.0001). In 69.6% of cases the mean energy intake was lower than the one required (p <0.0001). Among the micronutrients evaluated in this study, there was an important prevalence of inadequacy in magnesium, zinc, iron and thiamine intakes, and most patients had calcium and potassium intakes below the adequate levels, and sodium intake above the adequate levels. CONCLUSIONS Outpatients with HF showed muscle depletion, and inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. There was no significant association between habitual dietary energy intake and nutritional status. Multidisciplinary care should be encouraged to better assess the general condition of these patients.