Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients. It means "poor nutrition" and can refer to: undernutrition – not getting enough nutrients. overnutrition – getting more nutrients than needed.
Causes of malnutrition
- Unsuitable dietary choices
- Having a low income
- Difficulty obtaining food
- Various physical and mental health conditions
Symptoms of malnutition
- reduced appetite.
- lack of interest in food and drink.
- feeling tired all the time.
- feeling weaker.
- getting ill often and taking a long time to recover.
- wounds taking a long time to heal.
- poor concentration.
- feeling cold most of the time.
Diagnosis of malnutrition
A healthy BMI for adults usually lies between 18.5 and 24.9. Those with a BMI between 17 and 18.5 could be mildly malnourished, those with BMIs between 16 and 18 could be moderately malnourished and those with a BMI less than 16 could be severely malnourished.
Treatment of malnutrition
- dietary changes, such as eating foods high in energy and nutrients.
- support for families to help them manage factors affecting the child's nutritional intake.
- treatment for any underlying medical conditions causing malnutrition.
- vitamin and mineral supplements.
