Malnutrition results when the body is derived of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. It can occur in people who are either undernourished or over nourished. In the United States however, people suffer from malnutrition due to dietary imbalances rather than nutritional deficiencies.

Undernourishment can occur when you dont consume enough essential nutrients or they are excreted more rapidly than replaced. Overnutrition occur in people who eat too much , eat the wrong foods, do not exercise or take in too many vitamins or other dietary replacements . You are at risk of overnutrition if you are overweight  or consume foods high in fats and salt.

What are the symptoms of malnutrition ?

Malnourished infants can be short for their age, thin or bloated.  They also have weakened immune system. Nutritional disorders can affect any system in the body and the  senses of sight , taste and smell. It may also cause mood swings, anxiety or other psychiatric symptoms.

Other symptoms include the following :

• pale , thick and dry skin
• bruising easily
• rashes
• changes in skin pigmentation
• achy joints
• tender and soft bones
• hair that pulls out easily and tightly curls
• night blindness
• gum that bleeds easily
• swollen, shriveled or cracked tongue
• increased sensitivity to light and glare

How is malnutrition treated ?

Some patients cannot or will not eat or cannot absorb nutrients taken through the mouth. These people are fed though a tube inserted in the gastrointestinal tract  or they may be fed through an IV ( intravenously ). Tube feeding is often used in patients who suffered burns or who have  inflammatory bowel disease. This procedure includes inserting a thin tube through the nose , guiding it carefully through the throat until it reaches the stomach or small intestines.  If long term tube feeding is required , the tube may be placed directly into the stomach or small intestine through an incision.