Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesCausesRisk FactorsSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentWhat to EatPreventionComplicationsWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Causes
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
What to Eat
Prevention
Complications
When to See a Provider
Malnutrition can lead to serious health consequences if not treated and can be life-threatening in some cases. This article describes the different types of malnutrition, as well as its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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Types of Malnutrition
Malnutrition is an imbalance, deficiency, or excess of energy or nutrients in the body. Types of malnutrition depend on the cause and include undernutrition and overnutrition.
Undernutrition
This type of malnutrition generally results when the body does not get enough calories, protein, or micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Undernutrition includes four broad subforms, which are:
Overnutrition
This type of nutrition results from excessive consumption of nutrients, such as calories, fat, protein, and/or micronutrients. Overnutrition can lead to overweight or obesity. It is possible to be overweight or have obesity and still not get enough micronutrients.
What Causes Malnutrition?
Causes of malnutrition include not having enough food to eat, frequent illnesses, and certain medical conditions and disorders.
Insufficient Food Intake and Poor Diet Quality
Not eating enoughor poor diet quality is often the first thing people think about when it comes to malnutrition.
Among populations at risk, poor maternal health and nutritionand inappropriate infant and young child feedingcan result in malnutrition. Not getting enough to eat, whether due to living in poverty or not having access to healthy food, is a global problem.
Poor diet quality doesn’t only lead to undernutrition, but can result in overnutrition, as well. Individuals who consume foods and drinks that are full of empty calories (high in calories, low in nutrients) and engage in less physical activity are more likely to develop overnutrition.
Medical Conditions and Digestive Disorders
Malnutrition may be seen in the following types of conditions:
Socioeconomic Factors
Poor socioeconomic factors, such as little or no education, unemployment, low income, and food or housing insecurity, can all affect the nutritional status of both children and adults. These factors include:
Risk Factors for Malnutrition
Risk factors for malnutrition include:
Malnutrition Symptoms
Signs and symptoms ofmalnutritioncan vary, depending on the type and/or cause. For most types of malnutrition, early signs can be difficult to spot.
Symptoms of malnutrition include:
Symptoms in Children
Symptoms of malnutrition may present differently in children than adults. In particular, children may experience:
How Is Malnutrition Diagnosed?
Blood or urine tests may be ordered to determine the amount of certain nutrients and waste products in the body. In some cases, X-rays are performed to determine bone density and to detect any heart and lung damage or gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
How Is Malnutrition Treated?
The main goal of malnutrition treatment is to replenish the body with adequate nutrition. Treatment plans are unique to each individual and will vary depending on the underlying cause.
Having a registered dietitian on your healthcare team can help you identify ways to get adequate nutrition from your diet to meet your needs.
If a malnourished individual can eat and drink, eating a more balanced and nutritious diet is the first step in replenishing nutrients. Consuming more calories and protein is important, which may mean including snacks between meals.
They may need to focus on including foods and beverages that are fortified or have certain nutrients added. Nutritional supplements may be needed to help meet daily nutrition goals.
If malnutrition is due to another underlying medical condition, that must first be addressed and treated to help resolve the malnutrition.
What to Eat If You’re Malnourished
People with undernutrition most likely need to increase their calorie and protein intake. Including foods high in calories, such as those with healthy fats can help you meet daily caloric goals.
High-fat, high-calorie foodsinclude:
Goodsources of proteininclude:
Protein powders and drinks may also be good options for increasing protein intake throughout the day.
How to Prevent Malnutrition
Addressing the root causes can help prevent malnutrition. Government agencies, schools, and independent organizations can all help with malnutrition prevention. Addressing food insecurity and increasing education and awareness of malnutrition are important steps in helping to prevent malnutrition.
Studies suggest that some of the most effective ways to address and prevent malnutrition include vitamin and mineral supplements, food supplementation, and providing nutrition education to at-risk populations.
Including a variety of nutritious foods that contain enough carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals can help in preventing malnutrition. Promoting healthy eating habits and encouraging regular physical activity for both children and adults can help avoid overnutrition in those at risk.
Complications and Long-Term Effects of Malnutrition
Though malnutrition is treatable, complications and long-term effects can occur. Malnutrition impacts physical and mental health. Depending on the severity and length of the malnutrition, there may be effects on growth and cognitive development.
Malnutrition can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.
Some deficiencies can trigger specific health problems, such as the following.
Vision Problems
Night blindnessis one of the first signs ofvitamin Adeficiency. When it becomes more severe, vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness. According to the WHO, around 250,000 to 500,000 vitamin A–deficient children lose their sight every year, with half of them dying within one year of becoming blind.
Scurvy
Acute (short-term)vitamin Cdeficiency leads to a condition calledscurvy, with symptoms appearing within one month of little or no vitamin C intake. Symptoms include:
Marasmus
Marasmus is severe protein-energy undernutrition, causing an infant’s or child’s weight to be significantly low for their age. It results from an overall lack of calories from fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Loss of fat tissue and muscle mass occurs, and individuals with marasmus are visibly emaciated and severely underweight.
Signs and symptoms include:
Obesity
Undernutrition andobesitycan occur at the same time.Consuming empty-calorie foods and beverages (those with lots of calories but little additional nutritional benefit) as the main source of nutrition, along with little to no physical activity, can lead to micronutrient deficiencies while also causing weight gain.
Inflammation and excess fat tissue may be present throughout the body. Obesity increases the risk of other noncommunicable diseases, such as:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Signs and symptoms of malnutrition may be difficult to spot, especially early on. However, if you notice any of the signs or symptoms below, contact a healthcare provider:
Summary
Malnutrition occurs when the body does not get enough food or the right amount or balance of nutrients it needs to function properly. It may be from overnutrition or undernutrition. Causes may include inadequate or poor diet, social or mobility problems in older people, alcohol use disorder, or certain digestive or malabsorption health conditions.
Risk factors for malnutrition include poor socioeconomic status, limited access to nutritious foods, having increased nutritional needs, older adults living alone or who have mobility issues, and having a medical condition that affects nutrient absorption.
Signs and symptoms of malnutrition include unintentional weight loss, stunted growth and development, decreased immune function, skin problems, hair loss or thinning hair, fatigue, and mood or behavior changes.
Malnutrition can lead to serious health consequences if not treated, and in some cases can be life-threatening. Treatment often includes replenishing calories and nutrients and correcting any micronutrient deficiencies.
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