Malnutrition has no doubt been an underlying source of several cases of deaths and abnormal growths. Malnutrition is a complex condition resulting from an imbalance between the body’s nutritional needs and intake of these nutrients. It usually involves deficiencies of nutrients like proteins and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Causes
Malnutrition can be caused by a series of factors ranging from; Undernutrition( Inadequate intake of nutrients or an imbalanced diet) to Overnutrition( Excess consumption of only type of nutrient which might lead to obesity, over-prescription of fad diets. Often leads to toxicity dependency and deficiency of minerals.
Excess Drug or alcohol consumption often leads to bad dieting. The absorption and metabolism of nutrients is impaired due to alcohol. Excess alcohol and hard liquor consumers often experience severe weight gain and suffer from deficiencies of nutrients like zinc and magnesium.
In children, inadequate consumption of protein, calories, iron, vitamins and minerals are the main causes of malnutrition.
The body requires essential micronutrients especially in the developmental stages of life and in old age. Common micronutrients needed include Vitamins A,B,C, foliate zinc, calcium, iron and iodine.
Symptoms/Signs of Malnutrition
- Dry and scaly skin
- Loss of appetite
- Cold/fever
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Spooned nails
- Loss of fat, muscle mass and body tissues
- Slow behavioral and intellectual development
- Pigmentation of hair
- High risk of complications after a surgery
- Abnormal growth
- Painful bones and joints
Malnutrition often results in slow healing of wounds and infections. It advances to a series of health problems and eventually leads to heart failure.
Some Common Deficiency diseases:
- Goitre: leads to enlarged thyroid gland.
- Marasmus: results in little muscle or fat in the body.
- Vitamin C deficiency: leads to scurvy.
- Vitamin A deficiency: gives rise to vision loss/blimdness.
- Anaemia: leads to reduced red blood cells count and causes cardiac arrest in extreme cases.
Treatment
Treatment of these diseases can be achieved through consuming fortified foods and supplements. Doctor diagnosis of malnutrition in a patient will involve preparing a treatment plan for the person and as the case may be, the patient might eventually need to see a nutritionist and other healthcare providers.
Treatment depends on the severity of malnutrition and in the presence of any other underlying factors or complications.
In extreme cases, a patient may need to receive intravenously nutrients like potassium and calcium.