Malnutrition is a problem not only for emaciated people with an anorexic appearance. People who are overweight and obese can also be diagnosed with malnutrition, resulting from a deficiency of nutrients (e.g. vitamins) necessary for the proper functioning of the body. What are the causes and symptoms of malnutrition? What are its effects and what is the treatment?
Malnutritionis - according to the World He alth Organization (WHO) - "an imbalance at the cellular level between the demand for nutrients and energy, and the supply that allows for growth and maintenance vital functions and performing specific functions ". In other words, we can distinguishquantitative malnutrition , which is the result of energy deficiency, andqualitative malnutrition , which results from insufficient consumption and absorption or increased excretion from the body nutrients (e.g. proteins, vitamins, minerals) that are essential for its proper functioning. The latter type of malnutrition is found in some overweight or obese people who eat energy-rich but low-nutritional meals (e.g. junk food).
Malnutrition - causes
Malnutrition can occur in people who are on a low-calorie diet (e.g. while losing weight) or are vegetarians. Research shows that people who follow a vegetarian diet, especially its radical varieties, are at high risk of protein malnutrition. In addition, these people also have an increased risk of vitamin B12 and iron deficiency, because plant origin is not as valuable and available to the body as that derived from animal products.
Malnutrition can also occur in the course of many diseases. They are most often diagnosed in people struggling with cancer. Cancer treatment causes side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a metallic taste in the mouth that effectively discourage eating. Malnutrition also often affects people with digestive system diseases (e.g. chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, liver cirrhosis, malabsorption syndrome). Parasitic diseases should also be mentioned here. The parasites of the digestive system feed on the nutrients they need to functionorganism, thus leading to its destruction. Malnutrition may also occur in the course of endocrine diseases (hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency), respiratory, cardiovascular, as well as infectious and feverish diseases. Mental illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia, depression and some psychoses can also contribute to energy deficiencies.
In addition, the problemmalnutritionoften affects patientsin hospitals . Large-scale studies in the UK and the Netherlands have shown that 1 in 4 patients is at risk of malnutrition when admitted to hospital. Also, the 'nutritionDay' project, which examined thousands of patients in hospitals across the EU, found that less than half of the patients consumed all of their meals while in hospital.
Malnutritioncan also occurin the elderly , due to loss of appetite, dental diseases, digestive and absorption disorders, reduced mobility (an elderly person cannot prepare a meal for himself, and sometimes even eat it). Research shows that 10 percent. people over the age of 65 in the European Union (EU) are at risk of malnutrition. Older people who live alone at home or in nursing institutions are particularly vulnerable.
Malnutrition - Symptoms
- excessive weight loss;
- decreased physical and mental performance;
- constant fatigue;
- excessive sleepiness;
- thin (paper) and cool skin;
- menstruation stop (women);
- change of character: irritability, apathy;
In addition, depending on what specific vitamins and other nutrients are missing, it may lead to the development of, for example, night blindness (vitamin A deficiency), paralysis and muscle wasting (lack of B vitamins), bone weakness and osteoporosis (lack of calcium, vitamin D), and even scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) or anemia (iron deficiency). According to the research of scientists working at the WHO, the most common nutritional deficiency in children around the world is the deficiency of the latter element. It is estimated that nearly 50 percent. all preschoolers are anemic, mainly due to iron deficiency.
ImportantMalnutrition in pregnancy
Pregnant women have greater nutritional needs than others and are therefore more susceptible to the effects of improper nutrition. Some women deliberately eat less than they should for fear of gaining weight (this is usually a psychological problem, i.e. pregnorexia).Malnutrition during pregnancy can also be the result of diseases that the expectant mother is struggling with (e.g. hyperthyroidism) or her poor life situation. Very rarely, malnutrition is the result of vomiting during pregnancy.
Regardless of what causes malnutrition in pregnancy, it can lead to miscarriage, death of the baby in the womb, and the development of birth defects in the baby.
Malnutrition - treatment and diet
Treatment of malnutrition is mainly based on the use of an appropriate diet. Initially, it should be non-energetic, and the food should be liquid-mush (purees, mousses and porridges). Then gradually start introducing more caloric products, rich in proteins, preferably of animal origin (necessary for the building and reconstruction of tissues, enzymes, hormones, plasma proteins) and carbohydrates. The latter should have a high energy value, but a small volume (e.g. sugar - preferably cane sugar, honey, jams). In addition, the amount of fats should be limited, because their excess causes a lack of appetite in a malnourished and emaciated person. You should not eat too much fast-food or s alty snacks - chips, sticks, crackers. To stimulate the appetite, dishes should be seasoned with spices that improve the appetite, such as basil, hot pepper, mint and caraway seeds. Meals should be small, but eaten often - even 6-8 times a day.
People who are underweight can also be given various types of high-energy nutritional supplements, the so-called Nutridrinki. These are food for special medical purposes that provide the body with a dose of essential vitamins and nutrients in a small volume. They are intended especially for people struggling with malnutrition due to cancer.
Source of data contained in the article: The European Food Information Council (www.eufic.org)
About the author
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.
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