Malnutrition (undernutrition) is caused by a lack of nutrients, either as a result of a poor diet or problems absorbing nutrients from food.
undernutrition, which includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age); micronutrient-related malnutrition, which includes micronutrient deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals) or micronutrient excess; and.
Micronutrient malnutrition
Worldwide, deficiencies in iodine, Vitamin A, and iron are the most common. Children and pregnant women in low-income countries are at especially high risk for micronutrient deficiencies.
Protein-calorie malnutrition is separated into two forms, kwashiorkor and marasmus. Kwashiorkor is a state of acute, severe protein-calorie malnutrition resulting in edema and hair changes, often accompanied by encephalopathy. Marasmus is the chronic form of this disorder and causes apathy and growth failure.
Kwashiorkor and marasmus are the two main types of severe protein-energy undernutrition recognized by healthcare providers worldwide. The main difference between them is that kwashiorkor is predominantly a protein deficiency, while marasmus is a deficiency of all macronutrients — protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) (also called protein-energy malnutrition or PEM) occurs when a child doesn't eat enough protein and energy (measured by calories) to meet nutritional needs.
Young children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are most vulnerable to undernutrition. Their bodies have a greater need for nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and are more susceptible to the harmful consequences of deficiencies. Children are at the highest risk of dying from starvation.
Signs and symptoms of malnutrition
a low body weight – people with a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5 are at risk of being malnourished (use the BMI calculator to work out your BMI) a lack of interest in eating and drinking. feeling tired all the time. feeling weak.
It leads to clinical syndromes such as Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, and Anemia. Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency disease, caused due to poor intake of protein or quality protein over a prolonged period of time. Kwashiorkor causes swelling in the body especially in the hands, feet and the face.
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.
Acute malnutrition is the result of a relatively short period of inadequate nutrition, which leads to wasting and, if severe, may also lead to oedema. Chronic malnutrition is the result of prolonged episodes of inadequate nutrition and leads to stunting.
A score of 0 – 1indicates a low risk of malnutrition. A score of 2 indicates a moderate risk of malnutrition. A score of 3 – 5 indicates a high risk of malnutrition.
The researchers concluded that malnutrition-associated diabetes is significantly different metabolically from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and should be considered a distinct type of diabetes.
Primary malnutrition refers to malnutrition which is caused by inadequate energy intake. This condition often occurs in relation to food insecurity or when adequate food is not available (in terms of total calories or specific micronutrients).
Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition — specifically, protein-energy undernutrition. It results from an overall lack of calories. Marasmus is a deficiency of all macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and protein. If you have marasmus, you lack the fuel necessary to maintain normal body functions.
Some health conditions that can lead to malnutrition include: long-term conditions that cause loss of appetite, feeling sick (nausea) and/or changes in bowel habit (such as diarrhoea and vomiting – these include cancer, liver disease and some lung conditions (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
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).
Dietary changes and supplements
having a healthier, more balanced diet. eating "fortified" foods that contain extra nutrients. snacking between meals. having drinks that contain lots of calories.
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).