Malnutrition

Patient Education Series Malnutrition

Definition: Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when the body does not receive the proper nutrients needed to function. Ranging from mild to severe, malnutrition can affect anyone, though young and elder populations are at the greatest risk. Different types of malnutrition exist and are defined based on what nutrients are lacking in the diet. (WFP, 2015)

Types of Malnutrition (WFP, 2015): out easily, and pale, thick, and dry skin. Micronutrient deficiencies: Result of a lack of Undernourishment: Result of deficiency in vitamins and minerals. These are less visible than essential nutrients. Symptoms include weight other types of malnutrition, but can be just as loss, weakened immune system, slow growth dangerous. Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to in children, poor wound healing, achy joints, conditions such as: sensitivity to light, and dizziness. • Anemia: A lack of healthy red Overnourishment: Result of eating too blood cells. Symptoms include pale much, taking excessive supplements, and skin, weakness, and fatigue. not eating foods with essential nutrients. • Scurvy: A disease that results from Vitamin C Symptoms include weight gain, water-electrolyte deficiency. Symptoms include joint pain, gums imbalance, and weakened immune system. that bleed easily, and poor wound healing. • Protein energy malnutrition: Deficiency in • Pellagra: A disease that results from niacin all major macronutrients, such as protein, or tryptophan deficiency. Symptoms include carbohydrates, and fat. Symptoms include diarrhea, dermatitis, and mental disturbances. weakened immune system, poor wound • Beriberi: A disease that results from healing, loss of muscle mass, and night blind- thiamine deficiency. Symptoms include ness. loss of appetite, numbness and Kwashiorkor: Result of extreme weakness in limbs and extremities. protein-energy malnutrition in which • Xerophthalmia: Results from Vitamin A there is adequate caloric intake, but deficiency, leading to a buildup of keratin not enough protein. This lack of protein in the eyes causing spots and destruction results in swelling, especially around the of the cornea. Symptoms of xerophthalmia face and belly. Kwashiorkor is most include dry eyes and gradual blindness. common in children. Symptoms include bloating, achy joints, and fatigue. Causes of Malnutrition (WFP): Marasmus: Result of extreme protein-energy malnutrition in which War and displacement there is a lack of energy in the body Poverty due to an overall deficiency in caloric Unstable markets and the rising cost of food intake; the sufferer appears skeletally thin, but not bloated. Symptoms also include Natural disaster that can destroy food supplies slow growth in children, thin hair that pulls Medical conditions that block food absorption www.medlineuniversity.com ©2015 Medline Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. Medline is a registered trademark of Medline Industries, Inc. Patient Education Series: Malnutrition

Diagnosis (UNHCR, 2005): If there is a problem with the individual’s digestive tract or if they are unable to absorb the necessary A clinical assessment must be done in order to nutrients, intravenous nutrition can be helpful. diagnose malnutrition. Blood tests can help to Intravenous nutrition is achieved by inserting a determine levels of certain vitamins and minerals, special catheter into a large vein so that nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and iodine. Other can directly enter the bloodstream. This type of types of tests can be used to measure organ nutrition is called total parenteral nutrition, or TPN. function, and X-rays may be taken to assess bone structure and density. It may also be necessary to Depending on the case and treatment method, calculate appropriate body mass index (BMI) and patients may be treated either in the hospital caloric intake for achieving appropriate weight gain. or at home. While the process of treating malnutrition may seem complicated and Treatment (UNHCR, 2005): difficult, dedicated healthcare teams exist to help patients and families through the process. A variety of treatments exist for malnutrition depending on the type and severity of the case. Disclaimer: Patients who are able to eat are usually put on a nutrient-rich diet with supplements monitored Medline does not practice medicine, and by a physician or dietitian. Antibiotics can also be no information presented on this website very important when treating malnutrition because is medical advice or intended as a substitute the immune system is usually compromised. for the advice of a physician. All information If the patient is unable to eat or is unable to absorb on this website concerning medical conditions nutrients, feeding tubes or intravenous nutrition is from publicly available sources. can be used to improve nutritional status. Feeding tubes can be inserted through the nose or directly into the stomach or small intestine, depending on the duration the tube needs to be in place. These feeding tubes may be in place for a length of time, but are generally not permanent.

REFERENCES 1. What is malnutrition? | WFP | United Nations World Food Programme - Fighting Hunger Worldwide. (2015). Retrieved June 12, 2015, from https://www.wfp.org/hunger/malnutrition 2. Types of Malnutrition | WFP | United Nations World Food Programme - Fighting Hunger Worldwide. (2015). Retrieved June 12, 2015, from https://www.wfp.org/hunger/malnutrition/types 3. World Health Organization (2015). Nutrition for older persons. Retrieved June 12, 2015, from http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/ageing/en/index1.html 4. Mayo Clinic (2015). Caregivers. Retrieved June 15, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/ in-depth/senior-health/art-20044699 5. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (2005). A Manual: Measuring and Interpreting Malnutrition and Mor- tality. Retrieved June 15, 2015, from http://www.unhcr.org/45f6abc92.html 6. John Hopkins. (2015). Malnutrition. Retrieved June 16, 2015, from http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Malnutrition.aspx 7. Kumar, V. (2005). Environmental & Nutritional Diseases. In Robbins and Cotran pathologic basis of disease (8th ed., pp. 428-429). Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders.