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This is a brief summary of the longer TABLE Explainer "What is malnutrition?"

It aims to illuminate key elements of the three forms of malnutrition.

Written by Trish Fisher.

Summary: What is malnutrition?

Defined in a myriad of ways by various authorities, malnutrition can be broadly characterized as deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in the energy (i.e. calories), macronutrients (e.g. protein, fat, carbohydrates) or micronutrients (e.g. vitamin A, iron, iodine) a person obtains.

Malnutrition is primarily driven by three distinct conditions:

  • An insufficient variety of foods (too much or too little)
  • An inability to absorb nutrients properly (e.g. as a result of intestinal worms or diarrhea)
  • Loss of too much of a particular nutrient (e.g. heavy menstrual bleeding can result in iron loss)

While commonly used as a synonym for hunger, malnutrition manifests in three different forms, which require different interventions, have varying geographic prevalence, and pose unique challenges for public health systems.

 

The three forms of malnutrition
Multiple burdens of malnutrition
Conclusion
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Page 1 of the malnutrition summary PDF
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An empty plate post-meal on a wood table
PUBLISHED
04 Nov 2022