Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when the body receives insufficient amounts of the essential nutrients. The body may not receive sufficient nutrients if the diet is not balanced, if there are problems with digestion or absorption of food or if the individual has certain medical conditions. Medline Plus indicates that when an individual does not eat enough food, starvation may occur and this is also a type of malnutrition. In some instances, malnutrition can be quite mild and may not cause any symptoms. However, if it is severe, the individual may develop certain symptoms.
Fatigue and Weight Loss
According to Medline Plus, fatigue can result in malnourished individuals. The body needs an adequate supply of nutrients to function properly and when this is affected, it leads to an insufficient generation of energy. The individual experiences unusual fatigue and is unable to do normal daily activity, such as walking.
Medline Plus states that weight loss is a symptom of malnutrition. When the individual does not consume enough food, the body is neither able to gain weight nor able to maintain its normal weight. This results in an unintentional form of weight loss.
Increased Infections
Malnutrition can cause an increased vulnerability to infections. Kids Health states that malnutrition reduces the immunity of the individual and a poor immune system decreases the body's ability to fight an attack from various bacteria, viruses and fungi. This makes the individual prone to frequent infections.
Osteoporosis
Another symptom of malnutrition is osteoporosis, reports Kids Health. Osteoporosis is a condition where weak bones develop rendering the individual susceptible to increased bone breakage and fractures. Proper amounts of calcium and vitamin D are needed to develop strong and healthy bones, and in cases of malnutrition, intake of these nutrients may be affected.
Other Symptoms
Dizziness and dry, scaly skin are also symptoms of malnutrition, states Kids Health. The individual may also have swollen or bleeding gums and decaying of the teeth may also be seen. The individual can develop a slower reaction time to processing information, resulting in problems concentrating and paying attention. Besides being underweight, poor growth and muscle weakness may be seen in children.
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