Malnutrition
                     MALNUTRITION
WHAT IS 
MALNUTRITION?
Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a 
person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. A person with 
undernutrition may lack vitamins, minerals, and other essential 
substances that their body needs to function.
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MALNUTRITION LEAD 
•TshOort- and long-term health problems
• slow recovery from wounds and illnesses
• a higher risk of infection
• difficulty focusing at work or school
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SYMPTOMS
Some signs and symptoms of malnutrition include:
• a lack of appetite or interest in food or drink
• tiredness and irritability
• an inability to concentrate
• always feeling cold
• depression
• loss of fat, muscle mass, and body tissue
• a higher risk of getting sick and taking longer to heal
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CAUSES OF MALNUTRITION
5
A LOW INTAKE OF 
SFomOe peOopleD develop malnutrition because there is not enough 
food available or because they have difficulty eating or 
absorbing nutrients.
This can happen as a result of:
• cancer
• liver disease
• conditions that cause nausea or make it difficult to eat or 
swallow
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MENTAL HEALTH 
CONDITIONS
Undernutrition or malnutrition can affect people with:
• depression
• dementia
• schizophrenia
• anorexia nervosa
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SOCIAL AND MOBILITY 
PROBLEMS
Factors that can affect a person’s eating habits and potentially 
lead to malnutrition include:
• being unable to leave the house or reach a store to buy food
• finding it physically difficult to prepare meals
• living alone, which can affect a person’s motivation to cook 
and eat
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DIGESTIVE DISORDERS AND 
STOMACH CONDITIONS
If the body does not absorb nutrients efficiently, even a healthful 
diet may not prevent malnutrition.
Examples of digestive and stomach conditions that may cause 
this include:
• Crohn’s disease
• ulcerative colitis
• celiac disease
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RISK FACTORS
If the body does not absorb nutrients efficiently, even a healthful 
diet may not prevent malnutrition.
Examples of digestive and stomach conditions that may cause 
this include:
• Crohn’s disease
• ulcerative colitis
• celiac disease
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DIAGNOSIS
If a person shows or notices any signs of malnutrition, the first 
step will be to find out why.
If a doctor suspects Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or another 
condition, they may carry out laboratory tests to confirm a 
diagnosis. Treating these conditions can improve a person’s 
nutritional status.
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