Causes of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a medical condition experienced by the body due to insufficient intake of nutrients required for normal and sustaining bodily function. There are many reasons why someone may be suffering from malnutrition. It could be a lack of knowledge regarding proper diet, that can lead a person to actually eat enough food, but not the right foods and therefore required nutrients. Poor absorption power of the body can also be a reason for malnutrition.

Poverty is among the most common reasons of malnutrition, and is an especially difficult problem for economically under-developed countries to counter. Lack of proper nutrition does not only affect one's body, but it can reduce the intelligence levels of a person. Famine has been found to be among the most common reasons behind the initiation of malnutrition among a particular group of people in a particular region. Famine leads specifically to a severe lack of requisite amounts of vitamins, protein, and essential minerals in the broad population’s diet. Medical problems occurring as the result of malnutrition are called deficiency diseases. Scurvy is at the top of the list of such diseases; affected persons lack enough Vitamin C.

According to modern researchers the word malnutrition includes the concept of “over nutrition” as well. It’s not a healthy habit to gorge on food with only particular nutrients, as this practice can cause obesity and many other diseases. “Under nutrition”, such as an elongated period of starvation, will result in a severe lack of food-based nutrients. This leads the body to become much more vulnerable to many kinds of infections and diseases.

Researches have shown that plant foods are the best sources of nutrients necessary for the human body. Many NGOs around the world are working hard to address the problems of malnutrition. There are several third world countries where most of the children suffer from malnutrition. Different organizations working to solve this problem have found soya to be a good substitute for animal protein. Soya beans are used as a major source of protein in many different forms, and soyamilk has been found to be a good substitute for more costly cow or goat milk.

Protein energy malnutrition (or PEM) is a common form of malnutrition. This disease is a result of inadequate intake of protein inside the body, resulting in a significant and life-threatening lack of energy for an individual.

Please review other areas of Nutritionzing.com to understand more about your body, its nutrition requirements, and mechanisms to ensure a satisfied and healthy lifestyle through good diet.