Malnutrition is one of nutritional disorder majorly in developing countries in which there is lack of adequate nutrition. Malnutrition increases the risk of infectious disease and weakens the immune system. Malnutrition is defined by either inadequate or excess intake of nutrients such as proteins and vitamins. In this diet is rich in calories and deficient in vitamins and minerals .
Causes–
• Lack of proper diet
• Mental health problems –depression , anorexia nervosa , bulimia
• Digestive disorders –ulcerative colitis , celiac disease , people with regular diarrhoea and vomiting .
• Alcoholism
• Shortage of food
• Lack of breast feeding
A malnourished patient shows significant signs of –
• Dryness of eyes
• Angular stomatitis , cheilitis , parotid enlargement , spongy bleeding gums
• Dull, brittle hair and alopecia
• Loose wrinkled skin
• Wasting of muscles
• Impaired memory , development delay
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Problems in fertility
• Irritability
• Long time for healing
• Lowering of body temperature
• Inability to concentrate
Physically malnourished children appear to be thin, with swollen hands and feet , these malnourished children are more prone to infectious diseases . Measels is one of major cause of malnutrition in kids . Inadequate food intake ,infections , psychosocial factors, environment and genetic factors all contribute to malnutrition .
Malnutrition in women – Women have more nutritional requirements than men .Early marriage , childbearing women , frequent pregnancies with short interval and breast feeding women all these factors pose a nutritional burden on women .
Women needs major minerals and vitamins in more quantity as- iron, iodine , calcium, folic acid , vitamin A , vitamin C , vitamin K.
Good hygiene , proper sanitation and hygiene palys good role in preventing malnutrition .
Malnutrition increases the risk of early death . Malnutrition includes marasmus and cretinism . Inadequate food intake, infections, psychosocial deprivation, the environment, and perhaps genetics contribute
Management –
• Improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
• Educating people for healthy diet.
• Maintaining right balance of – carbohydrates , fruits and vegetables , proteins and fats
