Alternate Names: Nutrition - inadequate
Causes and Risks: Malnutrition is a general term that indicates a lack of some or all nutritional elements.
This can occur because of deficiencies in the diet. Single vitamin deficiencies are a form of malnutrition just as starvation is a form of malnutrition. Malnutrition can also occur when nutrients are adequately consumed in the diet, but one or more nutrients are not digested or absorbed properly.
Malnutrition may be mild enough to show no symptoms or so severe that the damage it has done is irreversible even though the individual may be kept alive.
Worldwide, malnutrition continues to be a significant problem, especially among children who cannot fend adequately for themselves. Recent droughts and political problems and food distribution problems in countries such as Biafra, Somalia, Rwanda, Iraq, and many others have demonstrated that hunger and malnutrition are not strangers to this world.
Related topics:
Minerals, trace elements and other dietary factors are covered under the term "diet and XXXX" where XXXX is the name of dietary factor. An example would be diet and iodine.
Prevention: Eating a good, well-balanced diet helps to prevent most forms of malnutrition. Also, see appropriate diet for age.
Symptoms: Symptoms vary with the specific malnutrition-related disorder.
Signs and Tests: Signs and tests vary with the specific malnutrition-related disorder. A nutritional assessment may be recommended.
Treatment: Treatment usually consists of replacement of missing nutrients; and treatment of symptoms as necessary.
Prognosis: Most disorders associated with malnutrition are able to be treated.
Complications: Malnutrition can lead to mental disability, physical disability, illness, and even death if untreated.
Call your health care provider if you or your child experience signs of any nutritional deficiency.
