Definition
Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body does
not get the right amount of the vitamins, minerals, and
other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function.
Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or overnourished.
Description
Undernutrition is a consequence of consuming too few essential nutrients or using or excreting them more rapidly than they can be replaced.
Under-nutrition may occurs in the following as :
*Infants, young children, and teenagers need additional
nutrients.
*women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
*Nutrient loss can be
accelerated by diarrhea, excessive sweating, heavy
bleeding (hemorrhage), or kidney failure.
*Nutrient intake can be restricted by
age-related illnesses and conditions, excessive dieting, food allergies, severe injury, serious illness, a
lengthy hospitalization, or substance abuse.
This type of malnutrition is the result of inadequate intake
of calories from proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Children who are already
undernourished can suffer from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) when rapid
growth, infection, or disease increases the need for protein and essential
minerals. These essential minerals are known as micronutrients or trace
elements.
Two types of protein-energy malnutrition :
*kwashiorkor : occurs with fair or adequate
calorie intake but inadequate protein intake, *Marasmus occurs when the
diet is inadequate in both calories and protein.
About 1% of children in the United States suffer from chronic
malnutrition, in comparison to 50% of children in southeast Asia. About
two-thirds of all the malnourished children in the world are in Asia, with
another one-fourth in Africa.
Over-nutrition results from eating too much, eating too many of the wrong things, not exercising enough, or taking too many vitamins or other dietary replacements.
Risk of over-nutrition is also increased by being more than 20%
overweight, consuming a diet high in fat and salt, and taking high doses
of:
- Nicotinic acid (niacin) to lower elevated cholesterol levels
- Vitamin B6 to relieve premenstrual syndrome
- Vitamin A to clear up skin problems
- Iron or other trace minerals not prescribed by a doctor.
Nutritional disorders can affect any system in the body and
the senses of sight, taste, and smell. They may also produce anxiety, changes in mood, and other psychiatric symptoms.
Malnutrition begins with changes in nutrient levels in blood and tissues.
Alterations in enzyme levels, tissue abnormalities, and organ malfunction may be
followed by illness and death.
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