Download A person who is malnourished has a “body which is deprived of

A person who is malnourished has a “body which is deprived of vitamins, minerals, and
other nutrients needed to maintain healthy tissues and organ function” (Johns Hopkins
University, 2014, p.1). According to the World Food Programme (2014),
A malnourished person finds that their body has difficulty doing normal things
such as growing and resisting disease. Physical work becomes problematic and
even learning abilities can be diminished. For women, pregnancy becomes risky
and they cannot be sure of producing nourishing breast milk.
(World Food Program, 2014, p.1)
Malnutrition can happen to a person who is either “undernourished (not enough essential
nutrients are consumed or when they are excreted more rapidly than they can be replaced) or
over nourished (people who eat too much, eat the wrong things, don't exercise enough, or take
too many vitamins or other dietary replacements)” (Johns Hopkins University, 2014, p.1).
Malnutrition is “responsible for 300,000 deaths per year in children younger than 5 years in
developing countries and contributes indirectly to over half of all deaths in children worldwide”
(Shashidhar, 2014, p.1). In addition, “According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
malnutrition is the single greatest threat to the world’s public health, with 178 million
malnourished children across the globe” (Medecins Sans Frontieres, 2013, p.1). To add,
“Malnutrition during childhood usually results in worse health and lower educational
achievements during adulthood. Malnourished children tend to become adults who have smaller
babies (Medical News Today, 2014, p.2).
There are different kinds of malnutrition. The common kind is called protein energy
malnutrition. Protein energy malnutrition ”results from a diet lacking in energy and protein
because of a deficit in all major macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins”(World
Food Programme, 2014, p.1). Next is marasmus, which is “caused by a lack of protein and
energy with sufferers appearing skeletally thin. In extreme cases, it can lead to kwashiorkor, in
which malnutrition causes swelling including a so-called 'moon face'” (World Food Programme,
2014, p.1). The other forms of malnutrition are not as visible, but can be quite deadly. They are
usually the result of vitamin and mineral deficiencies (micronutrients), which can lead to anemia,
scurvy, pellagra, beriberi and xeropthalmia and, ultimately, death(World Food Programme,
2014,p.1).
Symptoms of malnutrition are: “Weight loss, lack of strength and energy, lack of breath,
anemia, inability to concentrate, increased irritability, stunted growth, swelling of stomach, face,
and legs, and changes in skin pigmentation”(Medecins Sans Frontieres, 2013, p.2). It is possible
that children who are severely malnourished “typically experience slow behavioral development
and possibly cause mental retardation” (Medical News Today, 2014, p.3). In addition, “Even
when treated, under nutrition may have long-term effects in children, with impairments in mental
function and digestive problems persisting - in some cases for the rest of their lives” (Medical
News Today, 2014, p.3). Adults who have severe malnutrition starting during adulthood usually
make a full recovery when treated (Medical News Today, 2014, p.3).
A person can be diagnosed for malnutrition by the Body Mass Index of a person to
determine if they are a healthy weight for their height. A person can be considered malnourished,
“If you have a BMI of less than 18.5 or you have unintentionally lost more than 5-10% of your
body weight during the last three to six months”(NHS, 2013, p.1). In addition, a blood or urine
test can be done to determine a diagnosis. Treatment can be in the form of: Ready to use
therapeutic food, diet, feeding tubes, and community-based therapeutic care. Ready to use
therapeutic food has “all the nutrients a child needs during its development and helps reverse
deficiencies and gain weight” (Medcins Sans Frontieres, 2013, p.3). The types of feeding tubes
are: “nasogastric tube – a tube passed down your nose and into your stomach, percutaneous
endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube – a tube surgically placed directly into your stomach
through your abdomen”(NHS, 2013, p.4). Community-based therapeutic care was adopted by an
increasing number of countries and international relief agencies as a model to treat the
management of acute malnutrition (Collins, 2007, p.3).
The important way to not be diagnosed with malnutrition is to maintain a healthy diet by
having food by the major food groups such as:

Fruit and vegetables – at least 5 A DAY

Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, cereals and other starchy foods

Milk and dairy foods – such as cheese and yoghurt

Meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and other non-dairy sources of protein
(NHS, 2013, p.5)
To help someone who may have the symptoms or preventing malnutrition from
occurring, it is best to encourage them to seek medical help such as a doctor or dietitian who can
give them the guidance to reverse their condition. For older adults, it is possible to hire an aide to
assist in grocery shopping or meal preparation. In addition, community services such as Meals on
Wheels to provide meals for those in need (Mayo Clinic, 2014, p.1). It is also good to have some
form of physical activity to stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscle (Mayo Clinic,
2014, p.1).
References
Collins, S. (2007). Treating severe acute malnutrition seriously. Archives of Disease in
Childhood, 92(5): 453–461.doi: 10.1136/adc.2006.098327
Johns Hopkins University. (2014). What is Malnutrition. Malnutrition. Retrieved from
http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Malnutrition.aspx
Mayo Clinic. (2014). Senior health: How to prevent and detect malnutrition. Healthy
Lifestyle Caregivers. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthyliving/caregivers/in-depth/senior-health/art-20044699
Medical News Today. (2014, September 26). What is malnutrition? What causes
malnutrition? MNT Knowledge Center. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179316.php#preventing_malnutrition
Medecins Sans Frontieres. (2013). Malnutrition. Medical Issues. Retrieved from
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/our-work/medical-issues/malnutrition
NHS Choices. (2013). Malnutrition-Prevention. Retrieved from
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Malnutrition/Pages/Prevention.aspx
Shashidhar, H. (2014, April 22). Malnutrition. Medscape. Retrieved from
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/985140-overview#aw2aab6b2b5aa
World Food Programme. (2014). What is malnutrition? Hunger. Retrieved from
http://www.wfp.org/hunger/malnutrition