What is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition can result from a poor diet, the lack of food, or a disease where nutrients are prevented from being absorbed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “malnutrition is the gravest single threat to global public health.” Malnutrition is when the body is deficient in vitamins, minerals, or other essential substances. Malnutrition is a huge concern because being malnourished during important growth periods of one's life it can lead to long-term health problems. When someone is malnourished it can slow recovery from wounds and illnesses, there can be lack of growth, and also slowed development.  Those at higher risk for being malnourished are the elderly, those with low incomes, those who have difficulty absorbing nutrients, people with chronic eating disorders, and those who are healing from a wound or illness. In order to prevent malnourishment, people should consume different nutrients from a variety of food types. The diet should include a range of all the macro- and micro-nutrients including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fluids.

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