What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition occurs when a person's diet has deficiency or excess (or imbalance) of energy, protein, and nutrients for good health.

Symptoms

• Physical or mental development issues
• low energy
• hair loss
• dry and pale skin
• rashes
• enlarged legs and abdomen

Cause

• eating a diet that is deficient in nutrients or excessive in nutrients
• malabsorption : condition that occurs when the absorption of food nutrients via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is abnormal.

Risk Factors

• health issues, both short- and long-term
• wounds and illnesses need a long time to heal
• a greater chance of infection
• having trouble concentrating at work or school