Malnutrition

A pathological state resulting from deficiency (undernutrition) or excess (overnutrition) of energy and nutrient intake, leading to impaired growth, altered body composition, metabolic dysfunction, and reduced organ function.

Causes

• Undernutrition causes

  • Poor dietary intake

  • Inadequate access to food

  • Anorexia nervosa

  • Dementia affecting feeding behavior

  • Prolonged loss of appetite

  • Cancer-related cachexia

  • Chronic liver disease

  • Chronic systemic illness

  • Poor dentition or difficulty chewing

  • Aging-related reduced food intake

• Gastrointestinal causes

  • Crohn's disease

  • Celiac disease

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • Malabsorption disorders

  • Chronic diarrhea

  • Short bowel syndrome

  • Pancreatic insufficiency

• Increased energy requirement causes

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Severe infections

  • Burns

  • Trauma

  • Hypermetabolic states: Hyperthyroidism

• Overnutrition causes

  • Excessive caloric intake

  • Diets high in saturated fats

  • Diets high in refined sugars

  • Excessive portion sizes

  • Sedentary lifestyle contributing to energy imbalance

• Medication and supplement-related causes

  • Excessive vitamin supplementation

  • Mineral supplement toxicity

  • Nutritional imbalance caused by inappropriate supplementation

• Other causes

  • Endocrine disorders affecting metabolism: Diabetes mellitus, Addison's disease

  • Chronic alcohol use

  • Psychiatric disorders affecting eating behavior

  • Socioeconomic and environmental factors affecting food intake