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Malnutrition

Malnutrition

nutritional nutritional
0 medicines 11 symptoms

Overview

Malnutrition means poor nutrition. This is normally caused by not eating enough (undernutrition). It’s also caused by not eating enough of the right food to give your body the nutrients it needs.

Eating a balanced diet should give you enough nutrients to keep you healthy.

Examples of nutrients are:

  • calories
  • protein
  • vitamins

Without this, you may not be getting all the nutrients you need and this can lead to malnutrition.

Common Symptoms

Dizziness poor concentration loss of appetite and lack of interest in food or fluids tiredness or low energy levels reduced ability to perform everyday tasks like showering, getting dressed or cooking reduced muscle strength – like, not being able to walk as far or as fast as usual changes in mood which might cause feelings of lethargy and depression poor growth in children increased risk of infection, recurrent infections and poor wound healing taking longer to recover from illness difficulty keeping warm

⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.

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Medicines Commonly Used

⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.

No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.

Causes

What causes malnutrition?

Sometimes, medical conditions cause your body to need more nutrients. Some medical conditions may lead to your body being unable to absorb or use nutrients. These could include:

  • lung conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema,
  • anxiety or mental health conditions, like depression or schizophrenia,
  • conditions that disrupt your body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis
  • cancer and liver disease that can cause a lack of appetite, persistent pain or nausea
  • ongoing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
  • burns, fractures and post major surgery, due to increased demand for nutrients
  • swallowing difficulties and dysphagia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult or painful

People with memory problems or dementia may be unable to communicate their needs. They may also use up a lot of calories pacing or may experience a loss of appetite.

Some types and combinations of medication can increase your risk of developing malnutrition. Always check your medicines information. Speak to a healthcare professional for advice if you have any concerns. Do not stop taking your medication without advice from a healthcare professional.

Other causes of malnutrition

Physical, social and ageing issues can also cause malnutrition.

Issues with your mouth can contribute to malnutrition. These could be things like:

  • if your teeth are in a poor condition
  • if your dentures do not fit
  • if you have a sore mouth

These can make eating difficult or painful.

Other physical conditions that can contribute to malnutrition are:

  • losing your sense of smell and taste may cause you to lose your appetite
  • a physical disability, impairment or neurological conditions could make it difficult for you to cook or shop for food yourself

Social issues that can contribute to malnutrition include:

  • living alone and being socially isolated
  • having limited knowledge about nutrition or cooking
  • reduced mobility
  • alcohol or drug use
  • low income or poverty
  • reliance on food banks

As we get older we might become more likely to experience malnutrition. This might be because of how we feel, and physical and social factors. Social factors can be things like:

  • living alone
  • access to shops that can provide a good range of food
  • low income or poverty

The risk also increases because we’re more likely to have one or more medical conditions as we get older.

Read about how to improve your nutrition

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