Malnourished

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Malnutrition is a condition that results from eating a diet in which one or more 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 undernutrition or undernourishment while too much is called overnutrition.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Malnutrition is often caused by a lack of access to high-quality food, or inability to absorb nutrients due to diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It can also be caused by lifestyle choices, such as a diet high in processed foods and alcohol.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of malnutrition include fatigue, dizziness, and weight loss. In severe cases, malnutrition can lead to serious complications, such as a weakened immune system and organ damage.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for malnutrition involves improving the diet and treating any underlying health conditions that may be causing malnutrition. This may involve a team of healthcare professionals, including a dietitian, a physician, and a mental health professional.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of malnutrition involves ensuring access to healthy foods, educating people about the importance of a balanced diet, and addressing social determinants of health that may contribute to malnutrition.

See also[edit | edit source]

Malnourished Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD