Malnutrition occurs when the body does not get adequate nutrition. You can develop malnutrition when you follow a diet plan that restricts all or some of the USDA's recommended food groups. If you are a strict vegetarian, you may be depleting your body of viable nutrients, especially if you are not taking a vitamin or nutritional supplement. Malnutrition can be a life-threatening condition that can cause a number of serious medical problems.
Growth Patterns
Following a vegetarian diet means that you consume foods from the fruit and vegetable group, such as peas, green beans, corn, potatoes, green peppers, apples and kiwi. Many vegetarians also consume grains, including whole-wheat pastas and oatmeal. While fruits and vegetables offer a source of fiber and vitamins, they also lack certain other nutrients that the body needs to function properly, such as protein, calcium, iron and zinc. These nutrients are some of the fundamental elements the body needs to maintain itself and remain healthy. Vegetarian diets are low in fat and calories -- this can lead to growth problems, especially in children and adolescents. When children or adults do not consume dairy, lean meats or meet their daily caloric intake per day, malnutrition can occur.
Anemia
If you are vegetarian, you may find yourself filling up on a lot of processed foods and snacks. If you are already underweight due to poor nutrition or malnutrition, you could develop anemia. There are different types and forms of anemia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Two of the most common that are associated with malnutrition and vegetarian diets include vitamin deficiency anemia and iron deficiency anemia. With vitamin deficiency anemia, your body may be lacking vitamin B-12 and other vital nutrients -- this leads to a decrease in red blood cell production. Over time, your body may become chronically anemic if you deprive yourself of healthy foods from all of the food groups, including whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when iron levels are low. They can be replenished by consuming lean meats or taking an iron supplement.
Osteoporosis
Vegetarian diets should be followed closely under your doctor's supervision. You should seek a medical evaluation before starting a vegetarian or vegan diet to ensure that you have no underlying medical condition that could be affected by the diet. If you are already underweight or suffer from slight malnutrition, osteoporosis could develop or be further complicated due to a strict non-animal byproduct diet. Osteoporosis is caused by a lack of calcium in the diet -- this can lead to bone demineralization and breakdown.
Nutrition Deficiencies
Unless you take a nutritional supplement shake or daily multivitamin, you could become nutrient deficient as a vegetarian. Being nutrient deficient can easily lead to malnutrition. Some of the symptoms of malnutrition include hair loss, dry skin, weight loss, dizziness and fatigue. Malnutrition can also lead to low heart rate, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
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