Warning Signs of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is defined as a lack of essential vitamins and nutrients that an individual needs to keep their body processes functioning adequately. It can be caused by an unbalance, excess, or deficiency of essential nutrients, so it is often a misconception that the only people affected by malnutrition are only those who are severely underweight. 

While malnutrition is prevalent amongst the elderly and those who experience food insecurity, individuals who are also susceptible to malnutrition often have pre-existing difficulties with digestion, or experience other health conditions that prevent their bodies from absorbing the amount of nutrients their bodies need to function properly. 

People who face eating disorders are also extremely susceptible to malnutrition. Since malnutrition can be caused by a lack or imbalance of the essential vitamins and nutrients that a person needs, individuals who experience eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are particularly suceptible to being malnourished. Malnutrition can happen to anyone, of any body type if they are not obtaining the necessary amount of nutrients they need, so it is important to keep an eye out for some of the warning signs of malnutrition.

A few of the warning signs of malnutrition are:

  • Unintended weight loss

  • A reduced appetite or lack of interest in food and drink

  • Fatigue, or feeling tired all the time

  • Feeling weaker

  • Getting ill more often and recovering slower

  • Wounds and injuries taking longer to heal

  • Poor focus and concentration

  • Feeling cold all the time

  • Irritability

  • Brittle hair or hair loss

If any of these warning signs are present, running tests for particular nutrients such as iron or other vitamins might be required to see if the individual is experiencing malnutrition. Another way of screening for malnutrition is using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, which takes into account different factors such as body weight, unintended weight loss, and other physical or mental conditions and adds them up to produce a score, that details the level of risk for malnutrition an individual may be at.

When people are lacking the essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that their body needs, it can cause both physical and psychological side-effects that could affect everyday life. One particular side-effect of malnutrition in women is amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstrual periods. Individuals with eating disorders are very susceptible to having amenorrhea, because the lack of essential nutrients and severe decreases in body weight cause the reproductive organs to stop working properly. This problem can be easily remedied through dietary intake changes. 

Malnourished individuals also may experience tiredness and fatigue, as well as be more susceptible to generic illnesses, such as the common cold. This is because the immune system is suppressed and not working optimally when malnutrition is present. It can also cause poor concentration and irritability and can affect physical wellness overall. This can affect daily life activities such as work or school, which can take a toll on one’s mental health and social life. While malnutrition is treatable, it can have some unwanted long-term effects, so the best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a balanced and varied diet of nutrient-filled foods and to consult your doctor when additional supplementation is necessary.

Sources:

Absence of menstruation (amenorrhea): 13 causes. (2018, September 3). Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322961#treatment

Brazier, Y. (2020, January 3). Malnutrition: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179316

How eating disorders can lead to malnutrition. (n.d.). Www.providence.org. https://www.providence.org/news/uf/634126876

Malnutrition: Definition, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22987-malnutrition





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