Malnutrition Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. 'Malnutrition.' World Health Organization, 15 April 2020, www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/malnutrition
- 2. Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
- 3. 'Malnutrition Symptoms.' National Health Service UK, 7 Feb. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/symptoms/
Malnutrition is a health issue that refers to nutrient and caloric intake, and it commonly indicates that an individual is not getting enough of either. One of the most well-known examples of deficiency-related malnutrition is undernutrition.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
Malnutrition also refers to diet-related conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.1‘Malnutrition.’ World Health Organization, 15 April 2020, www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/malnutrition Commonly, people with these conditions due to nutritional abnormalities or deficiencies are not being properly nourished even if they're eating regularly. Symptoms of malnutrition vary according to the reason for the deficiency and the health issues that may be exacerbating it.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the more obvious symptoms of malnutrition. Practitioners determine the impact of this symptom with regard to intent. In other words, they must surmise whether the patient meant to lose weight or not.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627 Then, the anticipation of any future weight loss is also considered.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
This helps practitioners understand how to manage this symptom and determine if it's associated with an underlying health condition.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627 It's not as simple as encouraging the individual to eat more. Depending on the reasons for the malnutrition, a greater degree of intervention, including medical care, may be necessary.
Stunting
Stunting is characterized as low height based on a person's age.1‘Malnutrition.’ World Health Organization, 15 April 2020, www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/malnutrition Malnutrition causes the body to seek energy and nutrients from other sources from which it might not ordinarily draw.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
This includes sourcing bone and muscle for reserves that might guard against starvation, preventing an individual from continuing to grow and reach a height appropriate for their age. According to the World Health Organization, 159 million people around the world are stunted as a result of malnutrition.1‘Malnutrition.’ World Health Organization, 15 April 2020, www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/malnutrition
Loss of Muscle Mass
Muscle mass reduction is another common symptom of malnutrition. While this often refers to the muscle mass located around bone, it may also include organ mass.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627 This underscores the extent to which diminished nutrients impact muscle growth and function.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
The length of time a person spends being malnourished impacts the severity of this symptom. For instance, short periods of starvation can more easily be remedied with nourishment than longer bouts.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
Diminished Immune Function
Those struggling with malnutrition commonly get sicker more often and take longer to heal.3‘Malnutrition Symptoms.’ National Health Service UK, 7 Feb. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/symptoms/ Malnourished individuals also take longer to heal from medical procedures and may be more prone to infection.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
Significant levels of nutrient deficiency also contribute to increased mortality rates during hospital stays among those who are malnourished.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627 This is one of the reasons that nutritional support from health care facilities is suggested for patients.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
General Weakness
The body requires energy for everything it does, from getting up in the morning to moving around throughout the day. Without the proper nutrients and caloric energy, it becomes much harder for the body to withstand a great deal of activity.
As such, general weakness is a symptom of malnutrition.3‘Malnutrition Symptoms.’ National Health Service UK, 7 Feb. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/symptoms/ It's an indicator that the body doesn't have the energy stores necessary to sustain much, if any, physical exertion.
Constantly Feeling Cold
Another common symptom of malnutrition is constantly feeling cold or being unable to regulate body temperature.3‘Malnutrition Symptoms.’ National Health Service UK, 7 Feb. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/symptoms/ This may have something to do with the loss of fat and muscle mass that comes with malnutrition.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
The inability to regulate temperature accompanies a bevy of additional symptoms that indicates compromises in the body's systems. Malnutrition impacts almost every area of the body and may cause a host of secondary issues, such as challenges regulating body temperature.
Lack of Interest in Food and Drink
Lack of appetite and little, if any, interest in food and drink is a symptom of malnutrition. The lack of intake causes a reduction in hunger sensations in the body.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627 This perpetuates the issue, as it becomes more challenging to get those dealing with malnutrition to eat and drink.
The issue gets even worse in environments where meals may not be served on a schedule that's regular enough to stimulate feelings of hunger.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
Inability To Concentrate
Poor concentration is an indicator of malnutrition, especially when present with some of the other common symptoms of this condition.3‘Malnutrition Symptoms.’ National Health Service UK, 7 Feb. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/symptoms/ Nutrients and minerals derived from food and drink contribute to the optimal functioning of all bodily systems, including psychological components that help with focus and concentration.
An inability to adequately nourish the body with essential nutrients also makes it harder to think clearly in general and creates barriers to sound decision-making. .
Irritability/Depression
Psychosocial symptoms are common among those struggling with malnutrition. Symptoms vary and may include irritability, depression and anxiety.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627 Those dealing with malnutrition may also neglect to care for themselves and may feel apathetic about their lives.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627
Low mood is another symptom of this health issue.3‘Malnutrition Symptoms.’ National Health Service UK, 7 Feb. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/symptoms/ These and other psychological symptoms may be further exacerbated by any medical conditions or diseases that may contribute to extreme nutrient deficiencies.
Fatigue
Food and drink deliver the calories necessary for energy. Without this intake, fatigue may take over. It's common for those with malnutrition to feel tired often.3‘Malnutrition Symptoms.’ National Health Service UK, 7 Feb. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/symptoms/
Other complications, such as a reduction in cardiac muscle mass, may contribute to feelings of fatigue among those with malnutrition.2Saunders, John and Trevor Smith. Malnutrition: Causes and Consequences. Clinical Medicine, vol. 10, no. 6, 2010, 624-627 The more serious the health complications, the worse someone dealing with malnutrition may feel in general and the more fatigued they may become.
