Malnutrition

Synonyms

Inadequate nutrition; Nutritional deficiency; Protein-energy malnutrition; PEM; Protein-caloric malnutrition; Starvation; Undernutrition; Marasmus; Kwashiorkor; Amenorrhea; Micronutrient deficiencies; Wasting

Definition and Characteristics

Malnutrition may result from an inadequate food intake or poor dietary quality, digestive difficulties, absorption problems, presence of infection or other medical conditions. Malnutrition constitutes protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient deficiencies. PEM can be divided into three major forms; (i) marasmus, which is characterized by severe wasting, (ii) kwashiorkor, a malnutirition with edema, and (iii) marasmic kwashiorkor. Marasmus manifests typically triangular face, primary or secondary amenorrhea, extended abdomen, and anal or rectal prolapse. Kwashiorkor usually manifests with edema, changes of hair and skin color, anemia, hepatomegaly, lethargy, severe immune deficiency, and early death. Kwashiorkor is differentiated...