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How Does Malnutrition Affect Health?
The term malnutrition refers to an unhealthful intake of dietary nutrients 12. Malnutrition may arise with inadequate or overabundant food intake, an imbalance of dietary nutrients or an inability to digest, absorb or utilize the food you eat. Because all organ systems in your body require the building blocks and energy food provides, malnutrition can adversely affect your health in ways that range from mild to potentially life threatening. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet is one of the most important factors in achieving and maintaining your good health 2.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Poor Growth and Development
Malnutrition frequently causes abnormal growth, development and body weight 12. Inadequate food intake, or undernutrition, among infants and children can lead to stunted growth and delayed physical and mental development. With moderate to severe malnutrition, children may be profoundly underweight. Undernutrition significantly increases the likelihood of death in infancy and childhood. The World Health Organization reports that in 2001, undernutrition was a contributing factor in 54 percent of childhood deaths in developing countries.
- Malnutrition frequently causes abnormal growth, development and body weight 1.
- Undernutrition significantly increases the likelihood of death in infancy and childhood.
Reduced Lean Body Mass
What Is a Primary Deficiency in Nutrition?
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Among children and adults, undernutrition may cause reduced lean body mass, reflecting abnormally low muscle volume and organ size. This condition typically occurs when your body breaks down its own structural proteins to generate the energy necessary for day-to-day survival. Persistent weakness, a limited ability to perform physical work and permanent organ damage may occur with prolonged undernutrition in any phase of life. Starvation, serious injuries, severe burns, cancer, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease and eating disorders are among the many causes of undernutrition [1](# 'inline-reference::"Disease-related Malnutrition: An Evidence-based Approach to Treatment"; Rebecca J. Stratton, Ph.D., et al.cause:
- Starvation
- serious injuries
- severe burns
- cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- inflammatory bowel disease
- eating disorders are among the many causes of undernutrition [1](# 'inline-reference::"Disease-related Malnutrition: An Evidence-based Approach to Treatment"; Rebecca J
Stratton
Ph.D.
et al. ; 2003').
- Among children and adults, undernutrition may cause reduced lean body mass, reflecting abnormally low muscle volume and organ size.
Overweight and Obesity
; 2005'). Increased risk for noncancerous medical conditions occurs among overweight children as well as adults, which underscores the importance of managing overweight and obesity early in life to prevent premature death among at-risk children and young adults.
Increased Risk of Disease
Terminal Stages of Cancer
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Malnutrition increases your risk of developing medical conditions associated with inadequate or excessive consumption of specific nutrients. For example, deficiencies of vitamin C, B12, B6 or iron can lead to a low red blood cell count, or anemia. Excess consumption of cholesterol and saturated fats increases your risk of developing atherosclerosis, or fatty blockages in your arteries. Increased risk of infections may occur if your diet lacks adequate amounts of protein, zinc or vitamin C. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies increase your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Malnutrition during infancy and early childhood may increase your risk of developing chronic diseases, including diabetes, asthma, allergies and heart disease.
- Malnutrition increases your risk of developing medical conditions associated with inadequate or excessive consumption of specific nutrients.
- Excess consumption of cholesterol and saturated fats increases your risk of developing atherosclerosis, or fatty blockages in your arteries.
Related Articles
References
- "Disease-related Malnutrition: An Evidence-based Approach to Treatment"; Rebecca J. Stratton, Ph.D., et al.; 2003
- "Malnutrition: Quantifying the Health Impact at National and Local Levels"; Monika Blössner, M.Sc., et al.; 2005
- "Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 16th Edition"; Dennis L. Kasper, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
- World Food Programme. "What is Malnutrition?"
- World Health Organization. "Malnutrition."
- Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism." Sixth Edition. Belmont, CA. Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2013.
- Smolin LA, Grosvenor, MB. "Nutrition: Science and Applications." Third Edition. Wiley Publishing Company, 2013.
Writer Bio
Dr. St. John is a medical writer and editor with more than 15 years experience in the field. She is a former medical officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.