Malnutrition involves a dietary deficiency. People may eat too much of the wrong type of food and have malnutrition, but this article will focus on undernutrition, when a person lacks nutrients because they do not consume enough food.
Poor diet may lead to a lack of vitamins minerals, and other essential substances. Too little protein can lead to kwashiorkor, symptoms of which include a distended abdomen. A lack of vitamin C can result in scurvy.
Scurvy is rare in industrialized nations, but it can affect older people, those who consume excessive quantities of alcohol, and people who do not eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Some infants and children who follow a limited diet for any reason may be prone to scurvy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 462 million people worldwide are malnourished, and stunted development due to poor diet affects 159 million children globally.
Malnutrition during childhood can lead not only to long-term health problems but also to educational challenges and limited work opportunities in the future. Malnourished children often have smaller babies when they grow up.
It can also slow recovery from wounds and illnesses, and it can complicate diseases such as measles and malaria.It can leave the body more susceptible to disease.
Symptoms of Malnutrition includes
- lack of appetite or interest in food or drink
- Tiredness and irritability
- inability to concentrate
- always feeling cold
- loss of fat, muscle mass, and body tissue
- higher risk of getting sick and taking longer to heal
- longer healing time for wounds
- higher risk of complications after surgery
- reduced sex drive and problems with fertility
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