Undernutrition is the state where your body does not obtain adequate nutrients to achieve optimal functioning. It is resultant from inadequate dietary intake, the poor utilization and poor absorption of nutrients or certain conditions.
Types of Undernutrition
Among the major forms of malnutrition are:
1.Acute malnutrition or wasting –It presents mainly for a short period mainly from starvation .It is assessed using the low weight for height metric . Wasting is measured using the low weight for height metric-Acute malnutrition can occur as either:
- Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)- It is indicated by A MUAC measurement of between 115m m and 125 mm or WHZ score of between -3 and -2.
- Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)-It is characterized by clinical sigs such as oedema, poor appetite, changes in the skin and hair etc. If left untreated , it can be fatal. A MUAC measurement of less than 115 mm or WHZ score of less than -3 are indicative of several acute malnutrition.
- Global acute malnutrition –is the combination of severe and moderate acute malnutrition.
2. Chronic malnutrition or stunting– low height for age or the recurrence of under nutrition series. Usually, the child’s height is lower than that of normal healthy children of similar age.
- Moderate chronic malnutrition: is measured by moderate stunting and HA Z score of between -3 and -2 .
- Severe chronic malnutrition: is characterized by HAZ score of less than -3.
- Global chronic Malnutrition:It is a combination of both severe and moderate stunting.
3.Micro-nutrient deficiencies-Refer to the topic on micro-nutrients .
4.Underweight –low weight form age among children and a BMI of less than 18.5 among adults( Please refer to the topic on BMI )
These different forms can present solely or in combination.
Inadequate macro-nutrient intake is associated with muscle wastin and low energy use. Presents as Kwarshiokor and marasmus in children(refer to the post on =n.
Undernutrition manifests as follows:
- Decreased body temperature
- Changes in skin i.e. rashes, dryness or lesions
- Low weight-
- Reduced heart rat
- Reduced blood pressure
- Increased frequency of infections
- Changes in hair-brittle, changes in hair colour, hair thinning
- Lack of concentration and irritability
- Wasting around the arms and legs
- The presence of oedema
- Stunted growth among children
- Fatigue
The Management And Treatment Of Undernutrition
Patients are enrolled into a therapeutic programme. Depending on severity of malnutrition, the patient can be enrolled into either an inpatient or outpatient program. Patients with severe malnutrition are likely to be admitted into hospital for inpatient car until improvement is noticed. Patients receive nutrition supplements or nutrition formulas i.e. plumpy nut. A combination of the supplements and formulas can be administered especially in severe cases. Medications are prescribed to treat infections.
To prevent under nutrition, include a variety of nutritious foods in adequate amounts .You need sufficient quantities of macro-nutrients to maintain steady energy levels and micro-nutrients for proper body Undernutrition can present either as wasting , stunting , deficiencies or underweight.It involves the loss of muscle mass after short periods and stunted growth after long periods. Consuming a variety of nutritious foods in sufficient amount is advised to prevent it.