Physicians Health

Malnutrition is one of the major global problems that should be stopped.

Malnutrition occurs when people suffer from a lack of vitamins or nutrients. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 1.02 billion people suffered from malnutrition in 2009. FAO statistics also says that the number of undernourished people between 2004-2006 was 873 million. That’s terrible.

While you may think that it’s a major problem only in Africa, many other countries are coping with malnutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), deficiencies of vitamin A, iodine, iron and zinc are the main reasons of death even in developing countries.

Malnutrition has two main types: kwashiorkor and marasmus.

The first one occurs because of lack of protein-rich food.  The second one develops as a result of lack of necessary nutrients providing the human body with energy.

Malnutrition causes are lack of nutrients and vitamins as well as the improper management of balancing food. Sometimes chronic diseases also lead to malnutrition.

If you suffer from severe weight loss, dizziness and/or hair loss, they may be signs of malnutrition.

The only way to prevent  it by properly balancing your food.

Treatment depends on what type of malnutrition a patient suffers from, but in general it includes diet that involves all necessary nutrients. Sometimes in complicated cases, a patient may need tube feeding. Healthcare professionals will know what to do.

Remember that malnutrition should be treated as soon as possible, otherwise it may lead to illnesses and even death. Malnutrition has no place in the 21st century.

Photo © Julien Harneis

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