What Is Malnutrition Explain?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Malnutrition is

the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function

.

How is malnutrition defined?

(mal-noo-TRIH-shun)

A condition caused by not getting enough calories

or the right amount of key nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that are needed for health. Malnutrition may occur when there is a lack of nutrients in the diet or when the body cannot absorb nutrients from food.

What is malnutrition short answer?

Malnutrition refers to

deficiencies

, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.

What is malnutrition with example?

Malnutrition, in all its forms, includes

undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight)

, inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight, obesity, and resulting diet-related noncommunicable diseases. 1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese, while 462 million are underweight.

What is malnutrition and how is it caused?

Malnutrition (undernutrition) is

caused by a lack of nutrients

, either as a result of a poor diet or problems absorbing nutrients from food. Certain things can increase your risk of becoming malnourished.

What are the 2 types of malnutrition?

  • undernutrition, including stunting, wasting, underweight and micronutrient deficiencies.
  • overweight, obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

What are the main causes of malnutrition?

Underlying causes are:


Family food insecurity

.

Inadequate care of vulnerable household members

(e.g. ‘unfair’ sharing of food within families) Unhygienic living conditions (e.g. poor water supplies and poor sanitation) Inadequate health services.

What is the best definition of malnutrition?

Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients. It means “poor nutrition” and can refer to:

undernutrition – not getting enough nutrients

.

How is malnutrition diagnosed?

  1. a lack of appetite or interest in food or drink.
  2. tiredness and irritability.
  3. an inability to concentrate.
  4. always feeling cold.
  5. depression.
  6. loss of fat, muscle mass, and body tissue.
  7. a higher risk of getting sick and taking longer to heal.
  8. longer healing time for wounds.

Who malnutrition 10 steps?

  • Treat/prevent hypoglycaemia.
  • Treat/prevent hypothermia.
  • Treat/prevent dehydration.
  • Correct electrolyte imbalance.
  • Treat/prevent infection.
  • Correct micronutrient deficiencies.
  • Start cautious feeding.
  • Achieve catch-up growth.

What is the main treatment for malnutrition?

Treatment may involve:

dietary changes

, such as eating foods high in energy and nutrients. support for families to help them manage factors affecting the child’s nutritional intake. treatment for any underlying medical conditions causing malnutrition.

What are effects of malnutrition?

The consequences of prolonged malnutrition are

sequentially altered cellular metabolism, impaired function, and finally, loss of body tissues

(2). Clinically, malnutrition is often associated with muscular dysfunction and weakness and altered immunity resulting in an increased risk of infection (3–5).

What are the types of malnutrition diseases?

  • Kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency disease, caused due to poor intake of protein or quality protein over a prolonged period of time. …
  • Marasmus. …
  • Anaemia.

Who is most affected by malnutrition?


Women, infants, children and adolescents

are at the highest risk of malnutrition. Optimizing nutrition early in life – including the 1000 days from conception to a child’s second birthday – ensures the best possible start in life, with long-term benefits. Poverty amplifies the risk of, and risks from, malnutrition.

What organs are affected by malnutrition?

  • Muscle function. Weight loss due to depletion of fat and muscle mass, including organ mass, is often the most obvious sign of malnutrition. …
  • Cardio-respiratory function. …
  • Gastrointestinal function. …
  • Immunity and wound healing. …
  • Psychosocial effects.

What are the signs and symptoms of malnutrition?

  • reduced appetite.
  • lack of interest in food and drink.
  • feeling tired all the time.
  • feeling weaker.
  • getting ill often and taking a long time to recover.
  • wounds taking a long time to heal.
  • poor concentration.
  • feeling cold most of the time.
Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.