niedoywienia

Niedoywienia is not a standard term in Polish; it most likely refers to niedożywienie (malnutrition or undernutrition). Malnutrition describes insufficient intake of energy or nutrients necessary for growth, maintenance, and health. It can be driven by deficiency of calories, protein, or essential micronutrients and may be acute (wasting) or chronic (stunting or micronutrient deficiencies).

Causes include poverty and food insecurity, inadequate or unbalanced diets, chronic illnesses that affect appetite or absorption, intestinal parasites, and social or environmental factors. Infants, young children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Clinical indicators in children include weight-for-height (wasting), height-for-age (stunting), and weight-for-age. In adults, body mass index may be used. Micronutrient deficiencies can cause anemia, vision problems, or neurological symptoms. Diagnosis combines anthropometry with clinical history and laboratory tests when available.

Management focuses on restoring nutrition and treating underlying conditions. For severe malnutrition, therapeutic feeding programs with ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) or fortified foods are used, alongside treatment for infections and rehydration as needed. Micronutrient supplementation and caregiver education are important components.

Prevention relies on improving food security, promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, safe and appropriate complementary feeding, fortification of staple foods, and sanitation and health services. Malnutrition remains a major global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and is addressed by international public health initiatives and development programs.