Definition Of Medical Malnutrition

The word "malnutrition" may sound like an illness faced only by people in poor countries without adequate food supplies. But in fact, the definition of malnutrition, according to "Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary," is any disease-promoting condition that results from either inadequate or excessive intake of nutrients. Under this definition, everything from obsessive dieting to making poor food choices can lead to medical malnutrition.

Symptoms and Signs

In countries where food is plentiful, like the United States, malnutrition occurs gradually over time. The first signs include fatigue, loss of muscle tone, reduced sensation, weight loss and, in children, slow growth and pale skin. As malnutrition progresses, a person may experience hair loss, brittle bones and nails, dental problems, scaly skin, mouth sores, slow wound healing and frequent infections. In the late stages, kidney and heart problems and difficulty breathing may arise; if untreated, malnutrition can even result in death.

Undereating

Undernutrition, or inadequate calorie consumption, may stem from poverty, aging, alcoholism or excessive dieting. When you eat too little, your body does not obtain the vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats required to function properly and avoid disease. Deficiencies can occur and eventually serious health consequences. A deficiency in just one nutrient can result in malnutrition, reports MedlinePlus. For example, a deficiency of vitamin D or calcium over time can result in weakened, brittle bones. A lack of vitamin A can cause vision problems, and an iron deficiency often leads to anemia, or impaired red blood cell production.

Overeating

Overeating is epidemic in the United States, with 34 percent of adults considered obese, and another 34 percent overweight, according to 2007-2008 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Much of this overeating actually results from poor food choices. A diet consisting primarily of refined or fast foods is calorie-dense but nutrient-empty; deficiencies of some nutrients may occur even when you are gaining weight. Overeating of processed foods may also result in getting excessive amounts of a specific nutrient, such as too much sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, stroke or heart disease over the long haul.

Considerations

Malnutrition may also stem from underlying conditions and illnesses including cancer, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, anorexia nervosa, celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, sometimes cause a lack of appetite, leading to poor nutrition and weight loss. If you have symptoms of malnutrition, consult your doctor for a medical exam. She may recommend vitamin and mineral supplements to boost your nutrient intake, or nutritional drinks if you have trouble eating for any reason. If your diet is high in processed and fast foods, your doctor may suggest you talk to a dietitian or nutritionist about gradually shifting to more whole, fresh foods, and eating smaller amounts throughout the course of the day.