MalnutritionA Deficiency Disease

Malnutrition Definition

Malnutrition can be defined as either over-nutrition or undernutrition. Over-nutrition—that is, the intake of more calories than are needed.

Under eating can stifle the development of both body and mind. Kwashiorkor is a condition that affects children mostly age five and younger whose diet is deficient in protein even though it may contain

adequate calories. Children with kwashiorkor lack an appetite and appear lethargic and sullen; symptoms may include a swollen face, distended belly, muscle wasting, enlarged liver, and chronic diarrhea.

Marasmus is a condition seen in young children whose diet lacks both adequate calories and protein. Children with marasmus are always hungry and generally more alert than victims of kwashiorkor;

symptoms include extreme muscle wasting and a pinched expression that gives the face a wizened, “old” look.

Kwashiorkor and marasmus are common in underdeveloped nations, particularly after a famine or epidemic (see food and nutrition). Although less common, malnutrition can occur in the developed world;

sufferers include people with chronic diseases such as AIDS, and those who are impoverished.Vitamin deficiencies are uncommon among people in developed nations, except in the cases of pregnant

women and those who breast-feed their babies. Since ample vitamins are in the general diet in those lands, there is no medical justification for daily doses of multivitamins to stimulate vigor or prevent colds or infections. In underdeveloped countries, however, such diseases as rickets (due to a lack of vitamin D)

and scurvy (from deficient vitamin C) remain endemic. (See also vitamin.)Mineral deficiencies can also produce body disorders. Iron is indispensable for the prevention of anemia.

Deficiency of magnesium, a cofactor in many enzymes, causes dizziness, weakness, and convulsions. Iodine is a major part of the thyroid hormones. Without it a person can develop a goiter. Fluorine is not considered essential, but it plays a great part in minimizing dental caries, or cavities. Trace elements,

such as chromium, cobalt, and manganese, are also needed for a healthy body.

Causes Of MalnutritionThere are a number of causes of malnutrition. It may result

from:Inadequate or unbalanced diet

Problems with digestion or absorptionCertain medical conditions

Malnutrition can occur if you do not eat enough food. Starvation is a form of malnutrition.

You may develop malnutrition if you lack of a single vitamin in the diet.

In some cases, malnutrition is very mild and causes no symptoms. However, sometimes it can be so severe that the

damage done to the body is permanent, even though you survive.

Malnutrition continues to be a significant problem all over the world, especially among children. Poverty, natural disasters, political problems, and war all contribute to

conditions -- even epidemics -- of malnutrition and starvation, and not just in developing countries.

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