13 Questions
What is the origin of the term 'malnutrition'?
Latin words for 'bad' and 'nourish'
What is a consequence of undernutrition during childhood?
Worse health and lower educational achievements during adulthood
Which group of people is at highest risk of malnutrition?
Elderly people, especially those who are hospitalized or in long-term institutional care
What is a sign of malnutrition?
Loss of fat (adipose tissue)
What is a consequence of malnutrition on the immune system?
The total number of some types of white blood cells falls
What is responsible for about 2.2 million child deaths annually in the world?
Underweight births and inter-uterine growth restrictions
What is a common physical effect of severe malnutrition in the face?
The cheeks look hollow and the eyes are sunken
What is a potential long-term effect of undernutrition in children?
Impairments in mental function and digestive problems
What is a consequence of malnutrition on wound healing?
Longer healing times for wounds
What is the proportion of child mortality globally that is attributed to malnutrition?
45 percent
What is a common effect of severe malnutrition on hair?
It becomes dry and sparse, falling out easily
What is a potential consequence of total starvation?
Death within 8-12 weeks
What is the typical outcome for adults who are severely malnourished and receive treatment?
They usually make a full recovery
Study Notes
Definition of Malnutrition
- Derived from malus (bad) and nutrire (to nourish)
- Includes both undernutrition and overnutrition
Undernutrition
- Occurs when an individual does not consume enough food
- Can exist with a poor diet that lacks the right balance of basic food groups
- Can affect obese people who consume more calories than they need, but lack essential nutrients
Global Impact of Malnutrition
- Largest contributor to child mortality globally, present in 45% of all cases
- Underweight births and inter-uterine growth restrictions responsible for 2.2 million child deaths annually
- Deficiencies in vitamin A or zinc cause 1 million deaths each year
High-Risk Groups
- Elderly people, especially those hospitalized or in long-term care
- Individuals who are socially isolated
- People on low incomes (poor people)
- People with chronic eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa
- People convalescing after a serious illness or condition
Signs and Symptoms of Malnutrition
- Loss of fat (adipose tissue)
- Breathing difficulties and high risk of respiratory failure
- Depression
- Higher risk of complications after surgery
- Higher risk of hypothermia
- Weakened immune system, increasing the risk of infections
- Longer healing times for wounds
- Longer recovery times from infections and illnesses
- Problems with fertility
- Reduced muscle mass
- Fatigue and apathy
- Irritability
Severe Cases of Malnutrition
- Skin may become thin, dry, inelastic, pale, and cold
- Fat loss in the face, leading to hollow cheeks and sunken eyes
- Dry and sparse hair, falling out easily
- Unresponsiveness (stupor) in severe cases
- Heart, liver, and respiratory failure if calorie deficiency continues
- Total starvation is fatal within 8-12 weeks
Effects on Children
- Slow behavioral and intellectual development
- May lead to intellectual disabilities
- Long-term effects in children, including impairments in mental function and digestive problems
Effects on Adults
- Severe undernourishment can lead to full recovery when treated, but may have long-term effects if started during adulthood
Understanding malnutrition, its causes, and effects, including undernutrition and overnutrition. Malnutrition can occur due to a poor diet or excess calorie intake.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
