Malnutrition

Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when a person’s body is not getting enough nutrients. This condition may result from the use of an inadequate or unbalanced diet, digestive difficulties, absorption problems or other medical conditions.
Alternative Names

Inadequate nutrition
Causes, incidence and risk factors

Malnutrition can occur because of the lack of a single vitamin in the diet or because the person is not getting enough food. Starvation is a form of malnutrition. Malnutrition also occurs when adequate nutrients are consumed in the diet, but one or more nutrients is / are digested (s) or absorbed (s) properly.

Malnutrition may be mild enough to show no symptoms, but some may be so severe that the damage done is irreversible, although you can keep the person alive.

Worldwide, especially among children who can not defend themselves, malnutrition remains a significant problem. Poverty, natural disasters, political problems and war all contribute to conditions even epidemics, malnutrition and starvation, and not just in developing countries.

Related topics:

     * Beriberi
     * Hunger
     * Tendency to overeat
     * Vitamin A deficiency
     * Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
     * Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
     * Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
     * Vitamin B9 (folacin)
     * Vitamin E
     * Vitamin K
     * Eating disorders
     * Food guide
     * Kwashiorkor
     * Malabsorption
     Megaloblastic Anemia
     * Pellagra
     * Rickets
     * Scurvy
     * Spina bifida

Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to each specific condition related to malnutrition. However, among the general symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, weight loss and decreased immune response.
Exams and Tests

Tests depend on the specific disorder most interventions include nutritional assessments and blood tests.
Treatment

Treatment usually involves replacing the missing nutrients, treating symptoms as what is necessary and any underlying medical condition.
Expectations (prognosis)

The prognosis depends on the cause of malnutrition. Most nutritional deficiencies can be corrected, but if the cause is a medical condition, treat the condition in order to reverse the nutritional deficiency.
Complications

If malnutrition is not treated, can cause mental and physical disability, illness and possibly death.
Calling your health care

It is recommended to discuss with the physician at risk for malnutrition. However, it should seek treatment if you experience any change in the functioning of the body. Symptoms include fainting, lack of menstruation, lack of growth in children, rapid hair loss.
Prevention

Eat a well balanced and of good quality helps prevent most forms of malnutrition.

Diet and Nutrition Consultation

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