MALNUTRITION

 


Malnutrition refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization. The double burden of malnutrition consists of both undernutrition and overweight and obesity, as well as diet-related noncommunicable diseases. 

Malnutrition is an imbalance between the nutrients your body needs to function and the nutrients it gets. It can mean undernutrition or overnutrition. You can be malnourished from an overall lack of calories, or you might have a protein, vitamin or mineral deficiency. You might also have more excess calories than your body knows what to do with.

CAUSES OF MALNUTRITION:-

Malnutrition is a condition that results from an imbalance between the nutrients a person consumes and the nutrients their body needs for proper growth, development, and maintenance of health. Several factors can contribute to malnutrition, and they often interact in complex ways. Here are some common causes of malnutrition:

  1. INADEQUATE DIET:
  • Poor Quality Diet: A diet lacking essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals can lead to malnutrition.
  • Insufficient Quantity: Not eating enough food or not consuming enough calories can result in malnutrition.
  2. ILLNESS AND INFECTIONS:
  • Digestive Disorders: Conditions that affect the digestive system, such as chronic diarrhea, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel diseases, can interfere with nutrient absorption.
  • Chronic Illness: Diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis can increase the body's nutritional requirements and may lead to malnutrition.
       3. POVERTY:
  • Limited Access to Food: Economic factors can limit access to a diverse and nutritious diet.
  4. DIGESTIVE ORDERS:
  • Malabsorption: Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and other gastrointestinal disorders can impair the absorption of nutrients.
  5. CHRONIC ILLNESSES:
  • Cancer: Cancer and its treatments can affect appetite and nutrient absorption.
  • HIV/AIDS: These conditions can lead to malnutrition due to increased nutrient requirements and compromised nutrient absorption.
        6. INFECTIONS: 
  • Parasitic Infections: Infections by parasites can interfere with nutrient absorption.
  • Chronic Infections: Ongoing infections can increase the body's nutritional needs and may interfere with nutrient utilization.
        7. LACK OF ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION:- 
  • Waterborne Diseases: In areas with inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities, the risk of infections and diseases that contribute to malnutrition increases.
  8. ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES:-
  • Climate and Agriculture: Environmental factors such as climate change, drought, and poor agricultural practices can affect food production and availability.
  9. LACK OF EDUCATION:-
  • Nutritional Knowledge: Lack of awareness about proper nutrition and feeding practices can contribute to malnutrition.
  10. POOR INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING PRACTICES:-
  • Breastfeeding Practices: Inadequate breastfeeding and introduction of complementary foods at the wrong time can lead to malnutrition in infants and young children.
  11. POLITICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS:-
  • Conflict and Displacement: Situations of conflict, war, or forced migration can disrupt food distribution and access, leading to malnutrition.
  • Discrimination and Inequality: Societal factors, including discrimination and gender inequality, can affect access to resources and contribute to malnutrition.
  12. LACK OF HEALTHCARE:-
  • Inadequate Healthcare Services: Limited access to healthcare can result in untreated illnesses that contribute to malnutrition.
  13. NATURAL DISASTERS:-
  • Floods, Droughts, and Famines: Natural disasters can disrupt food production and distribution, leading to food shortages and malnutrition.







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