Malnutrition: Definition, Causes, Symptoms & Types

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy or nutrients. It can be both undernutrition and overnutrition. The cause of malnutrition includes the lack of vitamins or minerals in the diet which can have serious health consequences. Even an excess of nutrients can cause problems. The symptoms of malnutrition can be weight loss, fatigue, weakness, delayed growth and development, etc. Malnutrition can be prevented by eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining proper hygiene, and raising awareness among people about the importance of nutrition for a healthy life.

Malnutrition Definition

According to WHO malnutrition is defined as deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when the body does not receive the proper amount of nutrients that are required for proper health and functioning. It can occur in various forms and can affect people of all ages. Malnutrition is more in children under the age of five and around 45% of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition. The problem is more severe in low- and middle-income countries and in the same countries the problem of obesity is also rising.

Malnutrition consists of both undernutrition and overweight and obesity, as well as diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Undernutrition is due to the lack of nutrients which can cause stunted growth, wasting and underweight. Excess of nutrients can cause problems like obesity.

Types of Malnutrition

Malnutrition arises from an imbalance between nutrient intake and the body’s requirements. Malnutrition is classified into two categories as follows:

• Undernutrition
• Overnutrition: Obesity

These are discussed in detail as follows:

Undernutrition

Undernutrition occurs due to deficiency of the nutrients. It can lead to weight loss, stunted growth, weakened immune function, and other developmental issues. It is caused due to poor diet, poverty, or underlying health problems that interfere with nutrient absorption and utilization. Undernutrition characterise itself in the form of stunting, wasting, and underweight. If undernutrition occurs during pregnancy, or before two years of age, it may result in permanent problems with physical and mental development. Extreme undernutrition can cause starvation, chronic hunger, Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), and/or Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). Undernutrition, includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age).

• Wasting: It is defined as low weight-for-height. It indicates recent and severe weight loss.
• Stunting: It is defined as low height-for-age. It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition.
• Underweight: It is defined as low weight for age.

Micronutrient undernutrition

Micronutrient undernutrition is caused due to deficiency of vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients in the body produce enzymes, hormones, and other substances that are essential for proper growth and development. Insufficient intake of iodine, Vitamin A, and iron are the most common cause of diseases.

• Vitamin A deficiency: Can lead to night blindness and compromised immune function.
• Iron deficiency anemia: Results in fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
• Iodine deficiency: Causes goiter and can lead to intellectual disabilities.
• Vitamin D deficiency: Can result in bone disorders like rickets.

Protein-energy malnutrition

Insufficient protein intake can lead to muscle wasting, delayed growth and development (especially in children), weakened immune system, and compromised wound healing. Severe protein undernutrition can result in conditions like kwashiorkor or marasmus.

• Kwashiorkor is caused due to inadequate protein intake in young children. It is characterized by edema, a swollen abdomen, and skin lesions. It is caused due to insufficient protein intake, even when caloric intake may be relatively normal. Kwashiorkor can lead to stunted growth, impaired development, and weakened immune function. Treatment involves providing a balanced diet rich in protein, along with medical care to address complications.
• Marasmus is caused due to deficiency in both protein and energy. It is characterized by severe wasting, edema, and a gaunt expression. The condition can cause stunted growth, developmental delays, and a weakened immune system. Treatment involves gradual reintroduction of a balanced diet and addressing underlying health issues.

Overnutrition

Overnutrition is caused due to excessive intake of energy-rich foods and drinks and limited physical activity. It can result in overweight and obesity. The excess intake of nutrients results in accumulation of fat that can impair health. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 or more, whereas obesity is a BMI of 30 or more. It can also result in chronic non-communicable diseases like diabetes, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. Poor nutrition and unhealthy diet are the main cause of these diseases.

Causes of Malnutrition

Causes of malnutrition includes:

• Poor intake of the essential nutrients due to a lack of variety in the diet.
• Poverty is that main cause of malnutrition as it results in limited access to nutritious food .
• Chronic infections can lead to increased nutrient needs and malabsorption.
• Overnutrition caused by overeating is also a form of malnutrition.
• Certain medical conditions can interfere with nutrient absorption, utilization, or increase nutrient requirements.
• Contaminated water and poor hygiene can contribute to infections and nutrient loss.
• In infants, a lack of breastfeeding or inadequate breastfeeding can lead to malnutrition.

Symptoms of Malnutrition

Symptoms of malnutrition are as follows:

• Low body weight, prominent bones
• Weakness, faintness and fatigue.
• Edema or swelling caused by fluid retention.
• Dry, inelastic skin, rashes and lesions.
• Brittle hair and hair loss
• Severe and frequent infections.
• Low body temperature.
• Low heart rate and blood pressure.

Overnutrition have the following symptoms:

• Obesity.
• High blood pressure.
• Insulin resistance.
• Heart diseases

Prevention of Malnutrition

Prevention of malnutrition includes

• Education and support for the disadvantaged, including access to clean water, nutritious whole foods and medicine.
• Eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of nutritious whole foods in it.
• Encourage and support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
• Promote access to safe and clean drinking water to prevent waterborne diseases and enhance overall health.
• Implement community-based programs, healthcare services, and public policies.
• Ensure access to quality healthcare, early diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions that can contribute to undernutrition.

FAQs on Malnutrition

1. What is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition is caused when the diet of individual does not contain sufficient nutrition. Malnutrition can be undernutrition due to less amount of nutrients or overnutrition due to excess of nutrients.

2. What is the Cause of Malnutrition?

Malnutrirtion is caused due to poverty, poor nutrients in the diet, chronic infection, contaminated water and poor hygiene and a lack of breastfeeding or inadequate breastfeeding.

3. What are 5 Symptoms of Malnutrition?

The five symptoms of malnutrition includes Low body weight, prominent bones, weakness, faintness and fatigue, edema or swelling caused by fluid retention, dry, inelastic skin, rashes and lesions.

4. What are the Examples of Malnutrition?

Examples of malnutrition includes lack of vitamin A causes nigh blindness, deficiency of iron causes anemia, iodine deficiency causes goiter and lack of vitamin D causes rickets.

5. How can we Prevent Malnutrition?

Malnutrition can be prevented by eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining proper hygiene, encourage and support exclusive breastfeeding for first six months and raising awareness.