Skip to content
Ntro

What Diseases Can You Get From Malnutrition?

•
5 min read

Over 2 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of malnutrition, which is an imbalance of nutrients. A poor diet, whether from undernutrition or overnutrition, can lead to a host of debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases.

Quick Summary

Malnutrition can cause a range of health issues, from wasting and stunting to nutrient deficiencies like scurvy and rickets, and conditions related to overconsumption such as obesity and heart disease.

Key Points

  • Two main forms: Malnutrition includes both undernutrition (lacking nutrients) and overnutrition (excess nutrients), with each leading to distinct health problems.

  • Kwashiorkor and Marasmus: These are the most severe forms of protein-energy malnutrition, causing conditions like edema (swelling) and severe wasting, respectively.

  • Micronutrient Deficiencies: Lacking specific vitamins and minerals can cause diseases like scurvy (vitamin C), rickets (vitamin D), and anemia (iron).

  • Overnutrition Risks: Excessive calorie intake can lead to obesity and increase the risk of diet-related noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

  • Systemic Impact: Malnutrition weakens the immune system, impairs brain development, and affects most major organ systems, increasing the risk of infection and long-term health issues.

  • Vulnerable Groups: Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition.

In This Article

Understanding Malnutrition: Beyond Just Underfeeding

Malnutrition is often associated with starvation, but it encompasses a broader spectrum of conditions resulting from an improper balance of nutrients, including deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in energy intake. This can manifest as undernutrition (not enough nutrients), overnutrition (too many calories leading to obesity), or micronutrient-related malnutrition (deficiencies in vitamins and minerals). Each type can lead to specific and serious health complications, affecting all body systems, from the immune system to the brain.

Diseases Caused by Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

PEM results from inadequate protein and calorie intake and is especially dangerous for children. It is responsible for a high mortality rate among young children in developing countries.

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a form of severe PEM primarily caused by a protein deficiency despite relatively adequate calorie intake. This often occurs when a child is weaned from breastfeeding onto a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet. The hallmark sign is edema (fluid retention), which causes a swollen abdomen, hands, and feet, misleadingly hiding the severe muscle wasting beneath. Other symptoms include skin lesions, hair changes, and an enlarged, fatty liver. The immune system is severely compromised, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Marasmus

In contrast, marasmus is a severe deficiency of both protein and calories, leading to extreme wasting of muscle and fat. Children with marasmus appear skeletal and emaciated. The body breaks down fat and muscle tissue for energy, resulting in significant weakness, stunted growth, and a gaunt expression. Marasmus impairs immunity and is commonly seen in conditions of severe food scarcity.

Diseases from Micronutrient Deficiencies

Micronutrient deficiencies, or a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, can cause a wide range of diseases that may not be immediately obvious.

Common Micronutrient Deficiency Diseases

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia: The most prevalent deficiency, causing a lack of iron needed to produce hemoglobin. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and impaired cognitive function.
  • Scurvy: A lack of vitamin C, which is vital for collagen production. It leads to swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and poor wound healing.
  • Rickets and Osteomalacia: Caused by vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency. In children, rickets leads to soft, weak bones and skeletal deformities. In adults, the equivalent condition is osteomalacia.
  • Night Blindness and Xerophthalmia: A lack of vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health and immune function. It can progress from poor night vision to permanent blindness.
  • Goiter: Iodine deficiency, which can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge.
  • Pellagra: Results from a niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency. It is characterized by the "three Ds": dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
  • Beriberi: Caused by a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, affecting the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

The Dark Side of Overnutrition

Malnutrition also includes overnutrition, which is the excessive consumption of calories and certain nutrients. This form is increasingly common globally and leads to significant health problems.

Obesity and Diet-Related Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)

Overconsumption of energy-dense foods high in sugars and fats can lead to obesity and a higher risk of diet-related NCDs. This includes cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and high blood pressure. Obesity can even coexist with micronutrient deficiencies, as processed foods are often poor in vitamins and minerals.

A Comparison of Kwashiorkor and Marasmus

Feature Kwashiorkor Marasmus
Primary Deficiency Severe protein deficiency with adequate calories. Severe deficiency of both protein and calories.
Appearance Bloated or swollen abdomen, hands, and feet due to fluid retention. Emaciated, skeletal appearance with significant muscle and fat wasting.
Metabolism Body's metabolism fails to adapt effectively to nutrient stress. Body adapts to conserve energy by breaking down tissues.
Hair/Skin Dry, brittle hair that may lose its pigment; scaly skin patches. Dry, loose skin and brittle hair.
Mental State Often irritable and apathetic. Anxious and irritable.

Systemic Impacts of Malnutrition

Long-term malnutrition affects virtually every system in the body, with consequences ranging from mild to life-threatening.

  • Immune System: A weakened immune system is a significant consequence, increasing vulnerability to infections and slowing recovery.
  • Muscles: Undernutrition leads to muscle wasting (sarcopenia), causing weakness, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of falls.
  • Brain: Impaired brain development is a serious risk, especially in children, potentially causing permanent cognitive and developmental deficits. It can also lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
  • Cardiovascular System: Can lead to serious heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure. In overnutrition, it contributes to atherosclerosis and hypertension.
  • Digestive System: The small intestine can suffer from mucosal atrophy and a loss of villi, leading to malabsorption and chronic diarrhea, which perpetuates the malnutrition cycle.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is a complex and dangerous condition that goes beyond simple starvation, with both undernutrition and overnutrition capable of causing serious diseases. From classic deficiency syndromes like kwashiorkor and scurvy to modern epidemics of obesity and related chronic illnesses, the impact on health is profound and far-reaching. Early intervention and addressing underlying causes, such as poverty, food insecurity, or medical conditions, are crucial for prevention and treatment. Efforts must focus on ensuring access to a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, tailored to individual needs and addressing issues of both under- and over-consumption. Further information on addressing the global challenge of malnutrition can be found at the World Health Organization.

Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the type of nutrient deficiency. Kwashiorkor results primarily from a lack of protein, leading to fluid retention and a swollen appearance. Marasmus is caused by an overall deficiency of both protein and calories, resulting in extreme and severe wasting.

Yes. Malnutrition includes overnutrition, and individuals who are overweight or obese can still be malnourished if their diet consists of excess calories but lacks essential vitamins and minerals. This can lead to micronutrient deficiencies alongside weight-related health problems.

No, malnutrition significantly impacts mental and cognitive health as well. It can cause fatigue, irritability, apathy, depression, and anxiety. In children, it can impair intellectual development and lead to learning difficulties.

Malnutrition severely weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. A malnourished body has a reduced ability to fight off pathogens, and wounds heal more slowly.

Pellagra, a disease caused by a niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency, is characterized by the "three Ds": dermatitis (a rash), diarrhea, and dementia (confusion and mental decline).

Yes, stunting is a form of undernutrition. It is defined as low height for age and is the result of chronic or recurrent malnutrition, often impacting a child's physical and cognitive potential.

Malnutrition is treatable, but some of its long-term effects may not be fully reversible, especially in severe or chronic cases. Early and appropriate nutritional intervention, potentially including supplements and fortified foods, can lead to strong recoveries.

References

  1. 1
    Health Risk of Poor Nutrition | 10 Diseases - VS Hospitals
  2. 2
    Malnutrition: Definition, Symptoms and Treatment - Healthline
  3. 3
    10 Diseases Caused By Malnutrition | ToneOpFit
  4. 4
    Fact sheets - Malnutrition - World Health Organization (WHO)

Related Topics:

#Diet #malnutrition #obesity #vitamin deficiency #Nutritional Deficiencies #chronic illness #Kwashiorkor #Marasmus

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.