Definition

Certain quantities and varieties of nutrients are necessary for the body to maintain function and preserve tissue. Malnutrition occurs when the body does not receive an adequate amount of nutrients. This condition may manifest in response to an excess or deficiency of specific nutrients. A vitamin or mineral deficiency can result in severe consequences for the body. Conversely, excessive nutrition might cause complications.

Nutritional deficiencies are classified into two different categories:

• Macronutrient deficiencies
• Micronutrient deficiencies

The main components of a diet are macronutrients, which include protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. The body produces energy through the intake of these nutrients. If the body lacks macronutrients or any of these essential components, it will encounter challenges and a decline in its ability to sustain energy levels. Meanwhile, micronutrient deficiency refers to a state in which there is a lack of essential vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients are essential for the body to carry out numerous physiological processes, and they are needed in small quantities.

Causes

Generally, inadequate nutrition results from inadequate daily food intake to fulfill nutritional requirements. Other medical conditions that inhibit the absorption of nutrients may also contribute to this.

Risk factor

A multitude of risk factors have the potential to increase nutritional deficiency, including:

• Economic
  • Populations characterized by lower socioeconomic status are more susceptible to nutritional deficiency. This is a result of challenges in accessing nutritious food to fulfill daily requirements.
  • Populations in developing countries encounter challenges in obtaining nutritious food, and impoverished economic situations further elevate the susceptibility to nutritional deficiency
• Medical factors
  • Patients with impaired eating or digestion are at an elevated risk of developing nutritional deficiency This is attributed to food that the body is unable to digest, either partially or efficiently.
  • Specific medical conditions such as cancer, liver diseases, and pulmonary diseases can also impact the nutritional requirements that need to be fulfilled, particularly throughout the process of recovery.
• Lifestyle
  • An imbalanced diet might have an impact on the nutritional composition and daily dietary needs.
  • Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to inadequacies in protein, calories, and other essential micronutrients.
  • Elderly people, particularly those who have been hospitalized for an extended period, as well as individuals with disabilities and who live alone, are at an elevated risk of nutritional deficiency.
• Mental Health
  • Mental health disorders such as depression and dementia can also reduce appetite
  • Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia affect the quantity of food consumed and absorbed.

Read more about dementia here: Dementia - Definition, Cause, Symptom, And Treatment

Symptoms

Common manifestations of nutritional deficiency include the following:

• Underweight
• Prominent skeletal disorder
• Edema is characterized by swelling of body components, particularly in the abdomen and facial regions.
• Impaired or inhibited growth
• Impaired cognitive development
• Weakness and fatigue
• Irritability
• Dehydrated and inelastic skin
• Hair is prone to fragility, shedding, and loss of luster.
• Prone to infection
• Bradycardia and hypotension

Diagnosis

Doctors can diagnose nutritional deficiency through a comprehensive medical interview, a physical examination, and further diagnostic tests.

Anamnesis

In doctor-patient interviews, the doctor will inquire about:

• Current symptoms
• Medical history
• History of pregnancy and delivery
• Growth and development
• Familial history

Physical Examination

The physician will complete a comprehensive physical assessment, which will involve assessing vital signs such as blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse, and body temperature. The doctor will do a comprehensive assessment of the entire body to identify any indications of nutritional deficiency, such as evaluating the child's body mass index or measuring the diameter of the child's arms.

Additional Examination

A blood sample will be requested, if feasible, to conduct a more accurate examination for nutritional disorders. Additionally, blood tests can assist in diagnosing any nutritional deficiencies that may be present. Macronutrient deficiencies or an excess of macronutrients are frequently present in conjunction with micronutrient deficiencies.

Management

Nutritional deficiencies can be treated by administering nutritional supplements. Typically, this type of treatment necessitates a personalized strategy. This entails customizing the nutrient intake of each individual based on specific calculations focused on achieving a balanced nutrient composition.

Recovery from severe nutritional deficiencies may require several weeks. The doctor may advise you to enhance the balance and healthiness of your diet through the consumption of nutrient-rich foods, providing nutritious food in between meals, and avoiding high-calorie drinks.

If you experience difficulties with achieving your body's nutritional requirements due to specific disorders (such as dysphagia), your doctor may recommend the use of a tube for assistance.

• A nasogastric tube is a tube that is placed through the nose and into the stomach.
• A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a conduit that is directly attached to the stomach or digestive tract through the skin in the stomach.
• Intravenous infusions containing essential nutrients

Complications

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to several complications, including:

• Stunted growth, often known as stunting, refers to a condition where an individual's growth is hindered or restricted.
• Vitamin A deficiency causes visual impairment
• Vitamin D deficiency causes poor bone development
• Impaired sexual maturation
• Diminished muscle mass and strength might have a negative impact on the ability to maintain balance.
• Disruptions in the cognitive development of children
• Rickets
• Increased osteoporosis risk factors
• Diminishing the immune system's function

 Read more: Stunting - Definition, Cause, Symptom, And Treatment

Prevention

Nutritional deficiencies is a prevalent global issue that affects nations at all stages of development. To maintain optimal health and prevent nutritional deficiency, it is essential to consume nutritionally balanced foods that support the body's nutritional requirements.

Supporting the body's dietary requirements can help prevent overeating tendencies. The doctor will provide information on the supplementary nutrition required for adults, children, and elderly individuals with chronic diseases.

When to see a doctor?

Contact your doctor if you suspect a nutritional deficiency. Consider several conditions, such as:

• Sudden weight loss
• Symptoms of anemia include weakness and fatigue
• Having an eating disorder
• Suspecting child or parent abuse.

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