Deficiency of protein and energy during infancy is one of the most serious problems throughout the world. It leads to clinical syndromes such as Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, and Anemia.
Malnutrition (undernutrition) is caused by a lack of nutrients, either as a result of a poor diet or problems absorbing nutrients from food.
The cumulative proportion of recovery was 0.6% at 2 months, 17.5% at 3 months, 49.5% and 78% at 5 and 6 months, respectively (Figure 2).
loss of appetite and lack of interest in food or fluids. unplanned weight loss - this might cause clothing, rings, watches or dentures to become loose. tiredness or low energy levels. reduced ability to perform everyday tasks like showering, getting dressed or cooking.
Typical signs that you're not eating enough can include losing weight, feeling tired, getting ill more often, hair loss, or skin problems. In time, menstrual irregularities and depression may occur. Children may not grow as expected.
BRAIN: Nutrient deficiencies may speed up the rate at which your brain loses neurons, which can impair your speech, coordination, and memory.
The most common diseases that can cause malnutrition include oncological diseases such as cancer, pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis (CF) and gastroenterological diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Anemia. The most common illness which is caused by malnutrition. Although it can be triggered by many factors, but one of the main reasons for the occurrence of anemia is iron and vitamin B12 deficiency.
There are 4 broad sub-forms of undernutrition: wasting, stunting, underweight, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
For over a hundred years, doctors have known that a lack of protein in the diet or low levels of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, can lead to symptoms like diarrhoea, inflamed intestines and other immune system disorders, which weaken the body and can be fatal.
Eating disorders and malnourishment have a profound effect on cognitive function. The ability to concentrate, focus, and process information dramatically declines as health deteriorates. Individuals are often irritable, apathetic, and very disengaged from life.
Symptoms in children
Symptoms of malnutrition in a child can include: not growing or putting on weight at the expected rate (faltering growth) changes in behaviour, such as being unusually irritable, slow or anxious. low energy levels and tiring more easily than other children.
Emotional and Cognitive changes: Depression, anxiety, irritability, increased mood fluctuations, intense and negative emotional reactions, decreased enthusiasm, reduced motivation, impaired concentration, problem solving and comprehension, increased rigidity, obsessional thinking and reduced alertness.
Researchers believe that a person can live for up to three weeks without food as long as they have water to drink. Without both water and food, a person cannot survive for more than four days. The body often finds alternate ways to generate energy during starvation and prolong life.
The one-meal-a-day diet — also known as 23:1 intermittent fasting — may help people lose weight and body fat. However, it can lead to hunger and cravings and may not be suitable for everyone.
Skipping meals can also cause your metabolism to slow down, which can cause weight gain or make it harder to lose weight. “When you skip a meal or go a long time without eating, your body goes into survival mode,” says Robinson. “This causes your cells and body to crave food which causes you to eat a lot.
Malnutrition Warning Signs
Lack of muscle mass. Swollen stomach (called Kwashiorkor) Fatigue and low energy levels. Lack of growth and low body weight (in children)
But some common signs of malnutrition in older people may include their clothing, jewellery and dentures becoming loose, having a reduced appetite, lack of interest in food and drink, tiredness, altered mood, and weakness.