Comparison of One‐Day and Three‐Day Calorie Counts in Hospitalized Patients: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a 1-day calorie count can replace the labor-intensive 3-day calorie count commonly, performed in hospitalized patients when estimates of caloric and protein intake are required. DESIGN: Pilot study using prospective, non-concurrent review of medical records. SETTING: Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients (mean age 67 years). RESULTS: Mean 3-day intake (952 +/- 91 calories, 41 +/- 4 g protein) was about half of calculated requirements; first-day intake was similar (918 +/- 116 calories, 40 +/- 5 g protein). The first day had high sensitivity (calories 96%; protein 93%) and positive predictive value (calories 100%; protein 96%). Malnutrition was evident; three-fourths of patients had weights below recommended ranges, and 83% were hypoalbuminemic. CONCLUSIONS: Three-day calorie counts are frequently performed in patients suspected of eating poorly. Results of this pilot study suggest that 1-day calorie counts may be a valid alternative. However, readily available anthropometric and biochemical data may be as good an indicator of inadequate dietary intake.