Podvýiva

Podvýiva (podvýživa) is a condition caused by prolonged insufficient intake of energy and nutrients, leading to impaired growth, development, and health. It includes several forms: wasting (acute malnutrition), stunting (chronic malnutrition), and being underweight. In children, podvýiva is a major cause of illness and death and can cause permanent growth and cognitive deficits. In adults, it presents as weight loss and muscle wasting, especially among the elderly or chronically ill.

Causes are multifactorial. Immediate causes are inadequate dietary intake and disease-related losses; underlying causes include food insecurity, inadequate care, limited access to health services, and poor living conditions; basic causes involve poverty, political instability, and structural inequalities. Micronutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin A, iodine, zinc) often accompany podvýiva.

Diagnosis relies on anthropometric measurements. In children, weight-for-height (wasting), height-for-age (stunting), and weight-for-age are used; MUAC is a simple screening tool. In adults, body mass index (BMI) is commonly used. Clinical signs range from wasting and edema in severe cases to apathy and weakness; laboratory tests may show anemia or electrolyte disturbances.

Treatment and prevention: severe cases require specialized treatment in programs with ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), therapeutic feeding, fluids, and treatment of infections; milder forms use supplementary feeding and micronutrient supplementation. Prevention focuses on improving food security and diet diversity, promoting exclusive breastfeeding for six months, hygiene and sanitation, vaccination, and accessible primary health care.

Epidemiology: podvýiva remains a global health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries and humanitarian crises, with ongoing international efforts to reduce prevalence and mortality.