Malnutrition A state of poor nutrition Malnutrition A state of poor nutrition. This usually results from a deficiency of proteins, energy or minerals. May lead to one of a range of diseases depending on the particular nature of the malnutrition. Eg. Scurvy lack of Vitamin C Temporary hunger This is a short term need for food, triggered by physiological responses caused by food deprivation. Chronic hunger A state where the desire for food becomes extreme, due to prolonged food deprivation, to the point where normal bodily functions begin to be affected. Famine An extreme shortage of food resulting in mortality. Can occur where there is food but people lack resources to buy it. UN definition - Famine is defined technically as: “a situation where acute malnutrition rates among children exceed 30%, more than 2 people per 10, 000 die per day.