Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Nutrition and Metabolism Disorders > Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a general term for the medical condition caused by an improper or insufficient diet. It most often refers to undernutrition resulting from inadequate consumption, poor absorption, or excessive loss of nutrients, but the term can also encompass overnutrition, resulting from overeating or excessive intake of specific nutrients. An individual will experience malnutrition if the appropriate amount, kind or quality of nutrients comprising a healthy diet are not consumed for an extended period of time. An extended period of malnutrition can result in starvation.
Malnutrition as the lack of sufficient nutrients to maintain healthy bodily functions is typically associated with extreme poverty in economically developing countries, while malnutrition as the result of inappropriate dieting, overeating or the absence of a "balanced diet" is often observed in economically developed countries (eg. as indicated by increasing levels of obesity).
Most commonly, malnourished people either do not have enough calories in their diet, or are eating a diet that lacks protein, vitamins, or trace minerals. Medical problems arising from malnutrition are commonly referred to as deficiency diseases. Scurvy is a well-known and now rare form of malnutrition, in which the victim lacks vitamin C.
More on [ Malnutrition ]
Causes :: Mental Retardation
Hunger :: Poverty
Impacts on Hunger :: Genetically Modified Food
Hunger Relief :: Organizations
Demographic and Health Surveys - Information as to who they are, about the survey and research and publications. For informed decisions on population, health and nutrition.
Meta Description: [ MEASURE DHS assists developing countries worldwide in the collection and use of data to monitor and evaluate population, health, and nutrition programs. ]
Malnutrition - The Merck Manual takes an in depth look at this disorder. Early detection, all stages of life are looked at, chronic disease, vegetarian and fad diets, alcohol and drug dependency and diagnosis.
Malnutrition: Pediatrics-Medstudents - Definition of this disorder, marasmus and protein malnutrition.
Most, the Usaid Micronutrient Program - Assists the U.S. Agency for International Development in implementing expanded, more effective programs and policies to prevent and control micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin A deficiency.
Meta Description: [ MOST, the USAID Micronutrient Program, is USAID's flagship project for the
promotion of activities designed to improve the micronutrient status
of at-risk populations throughout the world. ]
Protein-Energy Malnutrition - An in depth look at this disorder by the Merck Manual including symptoms and signs, laboratory findings, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Starvation - The Merck Manual looks at this, the most severe form of malnutrition. Its causes, signs, symptoms and treatment are discussed.
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