malnutrtion

Malnutrition, sometimes misspelled malnutrtion, is a broad term for disorders caused by insufficient, excessive, or imbalanced intake of nutrients. It includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition such as obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases. In children, undernutrition can manifest as stunting, wasting, or underweight, while in adults it can present as low body mass index or specific nutrient deficiencies.

Causes and risk factors include poverty and food insecurity, limited access to safe and nutritious foods, disease and infections that reduce nutrient absorption, poor dietary quality, and increased nutritional needs during pregnancy, lactation, or illness. Conflicts, displacement, and humanitarian crises aggravate malnutrition by disrupting food systems and health services.

Health consequences are broad and include increased susceptibility to infection, impaired growth and development in children, anemia, reduced physical strength, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc can cause specific health problems.

Diagnosis relies on screening and anthropometric measurements in children and adults, such as weight-for-height, height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index, along with laboratory tests for micronutrient levels when needed. Management targets the underlying cause, provides adequate energy and nutrient intake, treats infections, and may involve supplementation, fortification, and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies. In severe cases, therapeutic feeding programs are used for malnourished children.

Prevention focuses on improving food security and diet quality, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods, nutrient-rich staple foods or supplements, and public health measures like fortification and disease control. Addressing malnutrition is a core component of global health and development efforts.