What is malnutrition

PSM News /

Malnutrition or malnourishment is a condition that results from eating a diet in which nutrients are either not enough or are too much such that the diet causes health problems. It may involve calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals. Not enough nutrients is called under nutrition or undernourishment while too much is called over nutrition. Signs and symptoms of malnutrition generally includes:
    Loss of fat (adipose tissue)
    Breathing difficulties, a higher risk of respiratory failure
    Depression
    Higher risk of complications after surgery
    Higher risk of hypothermia - abnormally low body temperature
    The total number of some types of white blood cells falls; consequently, the immune system is weakened, increasing the risk of infections.
    Higher susceptibility to feeling cold
    Longer healing times for wounds
    Longer recover times from infections
    Longer recovery from illnesses
    Lower sex drive
    Problems with fertility
    Reduced muscle mass
    Reduced tissue mass
    Tiredness, fatigue, or apathy
    Irritability.

Undernourishment is most often due to not enough high-quality food being available to eat. This is often related to high food prices and poverty. A lack of breastfeeding may contribute, as may a number of infectious diseases such as: gastroenteritis, pneumonia, malaria, and measles, which increase nutrient requirements. There are two main types of under nutrition: protein-energy malnutrition and dietary deficiencies .Protein-energy malnutrition has two severe forms: marasmus (a lack of protein and calories) and kwashiorkor (a lack of just protein). Common micronutrient deficiencies include: a lack of iron, iodine, and vitamin A. During pregnancy, due to the body's increased need, deficiencies may become more common. In some developing countries, over nutrition in the form of obesity is beginning to present within the same communities as under nutrition. Malnutrition in children seek to provide attention for early recovery.