Malnutrition

Synonyms

Failure to thrive syndrome; Hunger; Malabsorption

Definition

Malnutrition occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.  The condition may result from an inadequate or unbalanced diet, digestive difficulties, absorption problems, or other medical conditions.

Malnutrition can occur because of the lack of a single vitamin in the diet, or it can be because a person isn't 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 are not digested or absorbed properly.

Malnutrition may be mild enough to show no symptoms. However, in some cases it may be so severe that the damage done is irreversible, even though the individual survives.

Symptoms of malnutrition may include dizziness, fatigue, loss of weight and metabolic imbalances.  Treating malnutrition usually involves means to replace the missing nutrients back into the body.

Worldwide, malnutrition continues to be a...