Some of the complications of severe undernutrition conditions, such as marasmus and kwashiorkor, result from particular vitamin deficiencies. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause vision problems, and vitamin D deficiency can cause soft bones.
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. Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency disease, caused due to poor intake of protein or quality protein over a prolonged period of time.
Undernutrition manifests in four broad forms: wasting, stunting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies. Wasting is defined as low weight-for-height.
The term malnutrition addresses 3 broad groups of conditions: undernutrition, which includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age);
Symptoms of malnutrition
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.
It is estimated that nearly one in three persons globally has at least one form of malnutrition: wasting, stunting, vitamin or mineral deficiency, overweight, obesity, or diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
These include, but are not limited to, Protein Energy Malnutrition, Scurvy, Rickets, Beriberi, Hypocalcemia, Osteomalacia, Vitamin K Deficiency, Pellagra, Xerophthalmia, and Iron Deficiency.
mental health conditions, such as depression or schizophrenia, which may affect your mood and desire to eat. conditions that disrupt your ability to digest food or absorb nutrients, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. dementia, which can cause a person to neglect their wellbeing and forget to eat.
The underlying causes of malnutrition can be grouped under the three broad categories: inadequate household food security, inadequate care and inadequate health services and an unhealthy household environment, such as lack of access to safe water and effective sanitation.
Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition characterized by severe protein deficiency.
Anaemia may be caused by several factors: nutrient deficiencies through inadequate diets or inadequate absorption of nutrients, infections (e.g. malaria, parasitic infections, tuberculosis, HIV), inflammation, chronic diseases, gynaecological and obstetric conditions, and inherited red blood cell disorders.
unintentional weight loss – losing 5% to 10% or more of weight over 3 to 6 months is one of the main signs 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.
Malnutrition can cause permanent, widespread damage to a child's growth, development and well-being.
Adults who eat a healthy diet live longer and have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Healthy eating can help people with chronic diseases manage these conditions and avoid complications.
Macro- and micronutrient deficiencies may cause several serious diseases, like goiter, mental retardation, acute respiratory infections, decreased cognitive function, cancer, vision loss, rickets, pellagra, beriberi, and diarrhea.
Diet, often considered as a lifestyle factor, contributes to the development of many chronic conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, some cancers, and perhaps some neurological diseases.