A condition resulting from an imbalance, deficiency, or excess of energy, nutrients, or other essential components of nutrition.
Malnutrition includes both inadequate nutrition and excessive or imbalanced nutrition. It can therefore involve undernutrition, specific nutrient deficiencies, overweight or obesity, and diet-related conditions associated with excessive intake of certain nutrients or energy.
Undernutrition can occur when a person does not receive enough energy or nutrients, or cannot properly absorb or use them. Malnutrition can impair growth, immune function, wound healing, muscle strength, and overall health.
QUICK FACT
Malnutrition does not simply mean “not eating enough.” A person can consume enough or even excessive calories while still lacking important nutrients.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Undernutrition: inadequate intake or availability of energy or nutrients; it is one form of malnutrition.
- Nutrient deficiency: insufficient amount of a particular nutrient; it can occur as part of malnutrition.
- Starvation: severe deprivation of food and energy; it is a potential cause of severe undernutrition.
SEE ALSO