Malnutrition

Malnutrition is, a condition that results from eating a diet in which nutrients are either not enough or too much that the diet causes health problems. It may involve calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals. If malnutrition occurs during pregnancy, or before two years of age, it may result in permanent problems with physical and mental development. As for undernourishment, there may be symptoms that include a short height, thin body, very poor energy levels, and swollen legs and abdomen. People who are malnourished often get infections and are frequently cold. There are two major types of malnutrition that can harm the body, protein energy and micronutrient deficiency disease. With several organizations and foundations in place, it has been easier to treat this harmful disease.

Protein-energy malnutrition comes from the resulting of deficiencies in any or all nutrients.  Protein energy malnutrition comes in three forms; acute, chronic, and acute and chronic malnutrition. Acute malnutrition appears with thinness and nutrition absence leading to rapid weight loss or failure to gain weight normally. This can come from eating foods that have little to no proper nutrient intake.  However, chronic malnutrition comes in the form of shortness due to inadequate nutrition over long period of time leading to failure of appropriate growth. A combination measure of acute and chronic malnutrition could occur as a result both types.

Micronutrient deficiency disease comes from a deficiency of specific micronutrients. Malnutrition is caused by a lack of nutrients in a person diet. This is either due to an inadequate diet or problems absorbing nutrients from food. Several medical conditions cause problems such as cancer, liver disease, persistent pain or nausea. When it comes to eating dysphagia can occur. Dysphagia is a condition that makes swallowing difficult or painful. There are some types of medication that may increase your risk of developing malnutrition. Numerous types of medicine are known to mess up an individuals body ability to absorb and then break down nutrients.  A person may also be at risk of becoming malnourished if your body has an increased demand for energy. Physical factors can also contribute to malnutrition.