Malnutrition caused by consuming food that has been stored in the refrigerator for a long time.

Hanoi – Mr. Trung, 80 years old, suffers from digestive disorders and malnutrition due to frequently eating food that has been stored in the refrigerator for a long time.

Mr. Trung lives alone and usually cooks a pot of porridge, dividing it into containers to refrigerate and eat over four days; cooked savory dishes last for the whole week.

On November 11th, Dr. Vu Thi Thanh, Head of the Nutrition Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, stated that patients suffer from nutritional deficiencies and digestive disorders due to unbalanced diets, high in carbohydrates and fats, and deficient in protein and vitamins. Patients with malnutrition may also have excess body fat, as evidenced by their body mass index (BMI).

He suffers from heart failure, dyslipidemia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and his condition has not improved with medication. According to Dr. Thanh, an inappropriate diet is one of the reasons why the patient's underlying conditions are not responding to treatment.

The doctor prescribed medication and developed a scientifically sound diet plan to help the patient build muscle, improve the immune system, enhance overall health, and respond to treatment for underlying conditions. After three days, the patient's digestive problems subsided, and malnutrition could improve after a month if the treatment plan was followed.

Previously, Mrs. Hang, 78 years old, was also hospitalized due to digestive disorders, malnutrition, muscle deficiency, and excess fat. She lives alone and only cooks simple meals. Most of her food is bought from restaurants or prepared by her children and grandchildren who live far away and stored in the refrigerator for her to use gradually.

Dr. Thanh stated that these two are among many elderly people suffering from malnutrition and digestive disorders due to improper eating habits. Food stored in the refrigerator for too long can lose nutrients and become unsanitary. Refrigerators harbor many harmful bacteria, and improper use can cause food poisoning. Live bacteria can invade and spoil food. Even boiled or cooked food can still be harmful.

Some principles for preserving cooked food in the refrigerator include sorting and organizing food, keeping each type in a separate compartment; using containers or wrapping food in plastic before refrigerating; and maintaining an appropriate temperature of 1.7 to -5 degrees Celsius in the refrigerator compartment.

Food should be sealed in containers or wrapped in plastic before being refrigerated. Photo: Freepik — Food should be sealed in containers or wrapped in plastic before being refrigerated. Photo: *Freepik*

Families should avoid overstocking their refrigerators with food. Cooked foods such as fish, seafood (and stewed meats) stored in the refrigerator should be consumed within two days. Cooked poultry and soups can be stored for 4 days. Sausages and ham can be kept in the refrigerator for 4-6 days, and in the freezer for about 10 days.

Cooked vegetables should not be left overnight, and cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Cooked dishes should be reheated before serving. Keep the refrigerator clean and hygienic.

Viet An

* The patient's name has been changed.

Readers can ask questions about nutrition here for the doctor to answer.

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