Malnutrition happens when your body doesn’t get the right mix of nutrients it needs to work properly. This can lead to problems like losing weight without trying, feeling tired all the time, and slower growth, especially in children. Not eating enough, not having access to nutritious food, having an eating disorder, or suffering from a condition that affects nutrient absorption are key reasons malnutrition occurs.
Malnutrition is classified based on its causes, severity, and how it appears in individuals. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals figure out the best way to treat and manage it.
In kids under five, chronic undernutrition and limited access to food and healthcare can cause stunting, which is a form of slow growth. This is determined by checking if their height matches their age. Stunting can lead to issues like delayed motor skills, poor brain function, and low academic performance.
Wasting is when a child is much lighter than they should be for their height, often due to sudden food shortages or illness. Known as acute malnutrition, it develops quickly and is measured by weight-for-height or the mid-upper arm circumference. It can be moderate or severe and increases the risk of early death in children.
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) happens when someone doesn’t get enough calories and protein. This often arises from food insecurity, but it’s also common in those dealing with chronic illnesses like cancer or end-stage kidney disease. PEM shows up either as marasmus, causing severe weight loss, or kwashiorkor, which leads to swelling and fatty liver.
Micronutrient deficiency is when your body lacks vital vitamins or minerals, often due to not eating a varied diet or having trouble absorbing nutrients. Common deficiencies include iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamins D, A, or C, leading to fatigue, weakness, or a weakened immune system. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help prevent these deficiencies.
Overnutrition happens when you consume too many nutrients, especially fats, sugars, and calories. This raises the risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. Maintaining a balanced diet and getting advice from a dietitian can help tailor a diet that suits your body’s needs.
Secondary malnutrition occurs when an existing health issue, like a gastrointestinal or liver disease, stops the body from absorbing or using nutrients properly. This can happen even if your diet is balanced and might also cause nausea, vomiting, or a poor appetite.
Malnutrition can produce various symptoms and impact different body parts based on the deficiency’s severity. Signs include unexpected weight loss, fatigue, and slowed growth in younger children. Leading causes involve not getting enough nutritious foods, health conditions like Crohn’s disease, following a restrictive diet, and being very young.
Preventive steps against malnutrition include ensuring a balanced diet and addressing any health conditions that might impair nutrient absorption. Healthcare providers often start diagnosing malnutrition by reviewing your medical history, analyzing your diet, and looking for physical signs of deficiencies. They might also conduct tests to confirm malnutrition or rule out other health issues.
Registered dietitians may carry out a nutrition-focused physical exam to identify and evaluate the extent of malnutrition, checking things like muscle mass loss, signs of micronutrient deficiencies, and general functional capacity.
The main goal of treating malnutrition is to restore a healthy nutritional balance in the body. This means fixing any nutrient deficiencies and tackling underlying causes. Dietary adjustments are crucial, which could involve boosting specific nutrients or calories through balanced meal plans or supplements, especially in severe cases.
If a medical condition is causing malnutrition, treating that condition is essential to effectively manage malnutrition. For instance, medications might be necessary for digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease to improve nutrient absorption.
It’s important to proactively address dietary needs and underlying health conditions to prevent malnutrition. Taking such measures is vital in reducing the risk and impact of malnutrition.
