Malnutrition Signs and Symptoms Risk Groups
Hunger Hunger is a recurrent, involuntary lack of access to food. Hunger may produce malnutrition over time. Dietz, W.H., & Trowbridge, F.L. (1990, August). Symposium on the identification and prevalence of undernutrition in the United States: Introduction. The Journal of Nutrition, 120(8), (p. 917).
Malnutrition Inappropriate nutrient consumption Impairment of physical and mental health for an individual Low productivity for communities
Undernutrition (general) Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) Mild—stunting, underweight Severe—reduced head circumference, wasting, starvation Hidden hungers (vitamin and mineral deficiencies)
Chronically Undernourished 842 Million Worldwide
Stunted Children 215 Million Worldwide
Underweight Children 180 Million Worldwide
Wasting and Starvation Wasting—person seriously below the normal weight for her or his height due to lack of food Starvation—person exhibits extreme or prolonged lack of food Deterioration and ultimate death
The Realities of PEM kwashiorkormarasmus
Hidden Hungers May have adequate protein and calories Lack vitamins and minerals Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA)
Iodine Deficiency Disorders GoiterCretinism
Iron Deficiency Anemia anemianormal blood
Vitamin A Reproduction Growth and cellular differentiation Development of mucus-forming cells Resistance to infection Xerophthalmia
Populations At-risk Poor Refugees Parasite-infected Infants and children Women