Everyone experiences loss of appetite on occasion due to emotional stress, mild illnesses or as a side effect of medication. Such cases are generally temporary and not cause for alarm. When loss of appetite persists, however, it can lead to under-eating, inadequate nutrient-intake (malnutrition) and low body weight--potential causes for infections and disease. If you experience loss of appetite, seek guidance from your doctor.
Anemia
In order to produce healthy amounts of blood cells, the body requires a healthy diet, sufficient in vitamins and nutrients. Anemia occurs when you lack proper amounts of red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to various body tissues. Numerous varieties of anemia exist. Of these, iron-deficiency and vitamin-deficiency forms of anemia may be caused or exacerbated by malnutrition, a common complication of decreased appetite. According to the Mayo Clinic, iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of condition, affecting roughly 1 to 2 percent of adults in the United States. If you've lost your appetite, seek ways to incorporate iron-rich foods, such as clams, beef, turkey, sardines, fortified breakfast cereals or legumes. B vitamins can help prevent vitamin-deficiency anemia. Meats, legumes, potatoes, bananas and brewers yeast provide rich amounts of B vitamins. If in addition to lost appetite you experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness or pale skin tone, seek guidance from your doctor, as these symptoms may indicate anemia.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by weak, brittle bones. It can leads to serious bone fractures, permanently sloped posture and, in severe cases, death. Though a variety of factors may contribute to osteoporosis, lack of nutrients, particularly calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin K and magnesium, is a prominent cause. In addition, maintaining dangerously low body weight is common risk factor of the disease. If loss of appetite has led you to under-eat, consume too few nutrients or lose unhealthy amounts of body weight, your risk for osteoporosis is heightened. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a healthy diet, adequate in nutrients and calories, is crucial toward preventing the disease. A healthy diet is particularly important for young people, as 80 to 90 percent of your bone mass is accumulated by age 20. To prevent osteoporosis, consume calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products, broccoli and fortified cereals, and a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains regularly. Regular exercise can also help promote bone strength and prevent further bone loss.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that develops when bacteria attacks the lungs or, less commonly, the kidney, spine or brain. According to a report published in Medical News Today in May 2007, researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found a link between malnutrition and a person's susceptibility for developing TB. TB is spread through the air from person to person. If you have active TB disease of the lungs or throat then cough, sneeze, speak or sing, people nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected. In addition to a healthy, balanced diet that supports immune system health, regular TB tests are recommended, as a person can have latent TB (TB that does not cause symptoms) and still pass it on to others. Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and eat appropriate amounts of food daily to strengthen your immune system and prevent diseases, such as TB. For specified guidance, discuss your nutritional needs with your doctor or dietitian.
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