Learn how to address malnutrition and promote optimal health with expert guidance from Meri Sehat. Discover practical tips for a well-nourished life.

Malnutrition

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Overview

Malnutrition means the body does not receive the right amount of nutrients necessary for an individual&rsquo;s growth, development, and overall health. 
&nbsp;

Malnutrition is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people across diverse communities.

More children in the US develop malnutrition due to dietary imbalances rather than nutritional deficiencies. In particular, 1% of those children experience chronic malnutrition.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
&nbsp;

Further, the rate of overnutrition is increasing worldwide, with the latest data from the World Health Organization stating that, in 2022, 37 million children under 5 were overweight or obese.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

The situation is quite serious in Pakistan, particularly with nearly 10 million Pakistani children suffering from stunting in the country. 80% of children do not eat the right type and quantity of food.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a> 
&nbsp;

Malnutrition is a broad term. It includes:<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Overnutrition &ndash; Excessive intake of calories; characterized by <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/obesity">obesity</a> when individuals eat the wrong things, eat too much, take too many vitamins or other dietary replacements, or don&rsquo;t exercise enough</li>
	<li>Undernutrition &ndash; Inadequate intake or rapid excretion of calories and essential nutrients; characterized by wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age), and stunting (impaired growth of children)</li>
	<li>Micronutrient Deficiencies &ndash; Insufficient intake of specific minerals and vitamins causes conditions like iodine-deficiency disorders and iron-deficiency anemia</li>
</ul>

Note: A severe form of malnutrition is marasmus, or severe protein deficiency, causes significant fat and muscle loss and wasting. Another type is Kwashiorkor, or severe protein deficiency, which leads to fluid retention and a distended abdomen. 
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Sign and Symptoms

Nutritional disorders can affect any bodily system. Individuals may present with changes in mood and other psychiatric symptoms. Malnourished children, especially, may be thin or bloated, short for their age, and suffer from weak immune systems. 
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Additionally, symptoms include:

<ul>
	<li>Skin issues (e.g., pale or dry skin, changes in color, rashes, easy bruising, etc.)</li>
	<li>Achy joints</li>
	<li>Vision issues (e.g., increased sensitivity to light, night blindness, etc.)</li>
	<li>Oral health issues (e.g., scurvy, swollen or shriveled tongue) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Causes

These include:<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>

<ul>
	<li>A low intake of food due to unavailability of food or difficulty absorbing nutrients</li>
	<li>Underlying mental health conditions, like depression or anorexia nervosa</li>
	<li>Underlying physical health conditions, like Crohn&rsquo;s disease or celiac disease 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional may suspect malnutrition based on the individual&rsquo;s overall appearance, organ function, behavioral changes, and body fat distribution. They may inquire about the patient&rsquo;s eating habits and food intake.

The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool is a reliable way to identify people who have or are at risk of malnutrition.<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>

Additionally, imaging scans like X-rays, blood tests like vitamin or iron levels, and albumin tests may help determine bone density and organ efficiency. 
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Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. One approach is to eat a healthier diet. Some may benefit from eating or drinking nutritional supplements.

For patients who cannot eat or are unable to absorb nutrients, doctors may suggest parenteral or enteral nutrition, i.e., fed intravenously or through a tube inserted in the gastrointestinal tract.

In case of pregnancy or additional treatments like chemotherapy, which induce nausea and affect appetite, doctors prescribe medication. 
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Malnutrition can lead to:

<ul>
	<li>Physical or mental disability</li>
	<li>Increased risk of diseases, like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases</li>
	<li>Maternal and child health complications (during pregnancy)</li>
	<li>Death 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Malnutrition can affect anyone. However, certain populations are more vulnerable.

<ul>
	<li>Children, elderly, pregnant women, and chronically ill</li>
	<li>Lack of knowledge of nutrition; e.g., consumption of a diet high in salt and fat</li>
	<li>Social problems, like not having enough money or being unable to leave the house 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

These include:

<ul>
	<li>Increase awareness about breastfeeding, balanced diets, and weaning practices</li>
	<li>Avoid processed and less nutritious foods</li>
	<li>Encourage active lifestyles</li>
	<li>Easy access to nutritious foods, clean water, and medicine 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Malnutrition refers to a health condition where the body experiences an imbalance in the intake of essential nutrients, leading to adverse effects on growth, development, and overall health.</li>
	<li>Types of malnutrition include undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.</li>
	<li>Causes include poverty, lack of education, and certain underlying conditions.</li>
	<li>Complications and health consequences include impaired physical and cognitive development, increased risk of chronic diseases, and death.</li>
	<li>The preventive measures for malnutrition include encouraging active lifestyles, easy healthcare access, and consumption of a balanced diet.</li>
</ul>