Malnutrition

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Malnutrition is an excess, deficiency, or imbalance of energy and nutrient intake in the diet. Malnutrition includes undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies as well as overweight and obesity.

examine-databaseExamine Database
research-feedResearch feed

Malnutrition falls under theOthercategory.

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition encompasses various definitions that include undernutrition, overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies, and different perspectives are based on factors like body measurements and medical conditions. The World Health Organization identifies 3 main types of malnutrition — undernutrition, micronutrient-related malnutrition, and overweight/obesity — and each has specific subcategories and implications for health.

What are the main signs and symptoms of malnutrition?

The signs and symptoms of malnutrition vary widely depending on the type; undernutrition appears as a lack of interest in food, fatigue, irritability, and muscle weakness, and micronutrient deficiencies can lead to specific issues like peripheral neuropathy or severe fatigue. In cases of overweight and obesity, malnutrition may result from excessive energy intake, leading to joint pain, fatigue, and increased risk of chronic health conditions.

How is malnutrition diagnosed?

Malnutrition is diagnosed using various criteria, including the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM), American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) assessment tools, which assess factors like unintentional weight loss, BMI, muscle mass, and food intake. Although these criteria focus on undernutrition, they do not address overweight or obesity, and blood tests may be used to identify micronutrient deficiencies based on specific symptoms.

How is undernutrition-type malnutrition diagnosed and managed in children?

What are some of the main medical treatments for malnutrition?

Treatment for malnutrition varies based on its type, and undernutrition requires rehydration and gradual food intake, potentially through tubes or IVs, whereas overweight and obesity are addressed through physical activity and behavioral therapies. Additionally, vitamin or mineral deficiencies may be treated with supplements, and dietitian support is beneficial for most people who are diagnosed with malnutrition.

Have any supplements been studied for malnutrition?

The types of supplements used for malnutrition vary based on the specific deficiencies; options include meal replacement shakes for calorie intake and oral supplements for vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin B12. In severe cases, treatment may involve hospital care, tube feeding, or intravenous supplementation, and people with overweight or obesity may benefit from whey protein and micronutrient supplements, though weight-loss supplements are generally not part of initial treatment.

Are there any other treatments for malnutrition?

Herbal remedies, including cannabinoids and ginger, are sometimes used to stimulate appetite in people with malnutrition, though their effectiveness varies. Additionally, certain dietary ingredients and supplements have been studied for weight loss, but the evidence supporting their efficacy is limited.

What causes malnutrition?

Malnutrition can be caused by undernutrition, which results from decreased food intake, decreased absorption of nutrients due to medical conditions, or increased nutrient demands from situations like wound healing. Additionally, overweight and obesity stem from consistently consuming more calories than the body requires and are influenced by factors such as genetics, physical activity, and mental health.

Supplements Demystified: Get Our Unbiased, Evidence-Based Guide

Examine Database: Malnutrition
What works and what doesn't?

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

Update History
2024-09-24 00:30:04

All new FAQs were added to this page.

major

What is malnutrition?: A new FAQ was added. The complexity of diagnosing malnutrition is discussed and the three types of malnutrition are described: overnutrition, undernutrition, and micronutrient malnutrition.

What are the main signs and symptoms of malnutrition?: A new FAQ was added. The signs and symptoms of the different types of nutrition are clarified with examples.

How is malnutrition diagnosed?: A new FAQ was added that discusses the various diagnostic criteria from ASPEN, ESPEN, and GLIM. The lack of global consensus makes this more difficult. It is notable that while the definition of malnutrition has expanded to include overnutrition, none of these criteria have yet added an overnutrition component.

What are some of the main medical treatments for malnutrition?: A new FAQ was added to discuss the medical treatments. Treatment involves replenishing any nutrient deficiencies, such as calories, protein, micronutrients, or electrolytes. This might be done orally at home in moderate cases, or via tubes or intravenous lines in the hospital for severe cases.

Overweight and obesity can sometimes be treated with medication or surgery.

Have any supplements been studied for malnutrition?: Supplements are often a part of malnutrition treatments. Replacing protein might involve supplementation and addressing vitamin and mineral deficiencies involving either intravenous or oral supplementation.

In overnutrition, protein supplements, meal replacements, and vitamin supplements are also used. Weight loss supplements are generally not recommended.

Are there any other treatments for malnutrition?: This is a new FAQ that describes some of the alternative treatments used in malnutrition. Appetite stimulators are not commonly used, although THC, CBD, and zinc have been considered.

In overnutrition, weight loss aids and appetite suppressants like caffeine or green tea extract might be used but are generally not well supported by evidence.

What causes malnutrition?: Undernutrition malnutrition is caused by inadequate intake, poor absorption, increased demand, or socioeconomic issues leading to a lack of access to healthy foods.

Overnutrition is caused by an excess of calorie intake, often with inadequate nutritionally dense food and sometimes an excess of fat intake.

How is undernutrition malnutrition diagnosed and managed in children?: Undernutrition malnutrition in children can have long-term consequences. Children may have an inadequate overall calorie intake or a protein deficiency that can affect their development. Treatment is urgent and may require hospital admission in severe cases.

Written By

Megan Michaux

Reviewed By

Katie Jantz
References
  1. ^Elia MDefining, Recognizing, and Reporting Malnutrition.Int J Low Extrem Wounds.(2017 Dec)
  2. ^Malnutrition; World Health Organization, cited 2024-09, updated 2024-03
  3. ^Leishear K, Boudreau RM, Studenski SA, Ferrucci L, Rosano C, de Rekeneire N, Houston DK, Kritchevsky SB, Schwartz AV, Vinik AI, Hogervorst E, Yaffe K, Harris TB, Newman AB, Strotmeyer ES, Health, Aging and Body Composition StudyRelationship between vitamin B12 and sensory and motor peripheral nerve function in older adults.J Am Geriatr Soc.(2012 Jun)
  4. ^Franques J, Chiche L, De Paula AM, Grapperon AM, Attarian S, Pouget J, Mathis SCharacteristics of patients with vitamin B12-responsive neuropathy: a case series with systematic repeated electrophysiological assessment.Neurol Res.(2019 Jun)
  5. ^Judith Blaine, Michel Chonchol, Moshe LeviRenal control of calcium, phosphate, and magnesium homeostasisClin J Am Soc Nephrol.(2015 Jul 7)
  6. ^Warner, MJ et al“Iron Deficiency Anemia”, in StatPearls (Internet), USA: StatPearls Publishing(2023-08-07)
  7. ^Orzano AJ, Scott JGDiagnosis and treatment of obesity in adults: an applied evidence-based review.J Am Board Fam Pract.(2004 Sep-Oct)
  8. ^Hegazi R, Miller A, Sauer AEvolution of the diagnosis of malnutrition in adults: a primer for clinicians.Front Nutr.(2024)
  9. ^Cederholm T, Jensen GL, Correia MITD, Gonzalez MC, Fukushima R, Higashiguchi T, Baptista G, Barazzoni R, Blaauw R, Coats A, Crivelli A, Evans DC, Gramlich L, Fuchs-Tarlovsky V, Keller H, Llido L, Malone A, Mogensen KM, Morley JE, Muscaritoli M, Nyulasi I, Pirlich M, Pisprasert V, de van der Schueren MAE, Siltharm S, Singer P, Tappenden K, Velasco N, Waitzberg D, Yamwong P, Yu J, Van Gossum A, Compher C, GLIM Core Leadership Committee, GLIM Working GroupGLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition - A consensus report from the global clinical nutrition community.Clin Nutr.(2019 Feb)
  10. ^White JV, Guenter P, Jensen G, Malone A, Schofield M, Academy Malnutrition Work Group, A.S.P.E.N. Malnutrition Task Force, A.S.P.E.N. Board of DirectorsConsensus statement: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition: characteristics recommended for the identification and documentation of adult malnutrition (undernutrition).JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr.(2012 May)
  11. ^Cederholm T, Bosaeus I, Barazzoni R, Bauer J, Van Gossum A, Klek S, Muscaritoli M, Nyulasi I, Ockenga J, Schneider SM, de van der Schueren MA, Singer PDiagnostic criteria for malnutrition - An ESPEN Consensus Statement.Clin Nutr.(2015 Jun)
  12. ^Berger MM, Shenkin A, Schweinlin A, Amrein K, Augsburger M, Biesalski HK, Bischoff SC, Casaer MP, Gundogan K, Lepp HL, de Man AME, Muscogiuri G, Pietka M, Pironi L, Rezzi S, Cuerda CESPEN micronutrient guideline.Clin Nutr.(2022-Jun)
  13. ^Jensen MD, Ryan DH, Apovian CM, Ard JD, Comuzzie AG, Donato KA, Hu FB, Hubbard VS, Jakicic JM, Kushner RF, Loria CM, Millen BE, Nonas CA, Pi-Sunyer FX, Stevens J, Stevens VJ, Wadden TA, Wolfe BM, Yanovski SZ, Jordan HS, Kendall KA, Lux LJ, Mentor-Marcel R, Morgan LC, Trisolini MG, Wnek J, Anderson JL, Halperin JL, Albert NM, Bozkurt B, Brindis RG, Curtis LH, DeMets D, Hochman JS, Kovacs RJ, Ohman EM, Pressler SJ, Sellke FW, Shen WK, Smith SC Jr, Tomaselli GF, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, Obesity Society2013 AHA/ACC/TOS guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and The Obesity SocietyCirculation.(2014 Jun 24)
  14. ^Volkert D, Beck AM, Cederholm T, Cereda E, Cruz-Jentoft A, Goisser S, de Groot L, Großhauser F, Kiesswetter E, Norman K, Pourhassan M, Reinders I, Roberts HC, Rolland Y, Schneider SM, Sieber CC, Thiem U, Visser M, Wijnhoven HAH, Wirth RManagement of Malnutrition in Older Patients-Current Approaches, Evidence and Open Questions.J Clin Med.(2019 Jul 4)
  15. ^Suzuki H, Asakawa A, Li JB, Tsai M, Amitani H, Ohinata K, Komai M, Inui AZinc as an appetite stimulator - the possible role of zinc in the progression of diseases such as cachexia and sarcopenia.Recent Pat Food Nutr Agric.(2011 Sep)
  16. ^Ohinata K, Takemoto M, Kawanago M, Fushimi S, Shirakawa H, Goto T, Asakawa A, Komai MOrally administered zinc increases food intake via vagal stimulation in rats.J Nutr.(2009 Mar)
  17. ^Chao HC, Chang YJ, Huang WLCut-off Serum Zinc Concentration Affecting the Appetite, Growth, and Nutrition Status of Undernourished Children Supplemented With Zinc.Nutr Clin Pract.(2018 Oct)
  18. ^Malnutrition Solution Center; American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, cited 2024-Sept
  19. ^Boozer CN, Daly PA, Homel P, Solomon JL, Blanchard D, Nasser JA, Strauss R, Meredith THerbal ephedra/caffeine for weight loss: a 6-month randomized safety and efficacy trialInt J Obes Relat Metab Disord.(2002 May)
  20. ^Schubert MM, Irwin C, Seay RF, Clarke HE, Allegro D, Desbrow BCaffeine, coffee, and appetite control: a review.Int J Food Sci Nutr.(2017-Dec)
  21. ^Zhang Y, Tang N, Xia W, Sanjid Seraj S, Pereira M, Velu P, Zhou H, Yang H, Du GThe effect of green tea supplementation on the anthropometric outcomes in overweight and obese women: a time and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr.(2023 Jun 10)
  22. ^Shirin Hasani-Ranjbar, Neda Nayebi, Bagher Larijani, Mohammad AbdollahiA systematic review of the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines used in the treatment of obesityWorld J Gastroenterol.(2009 Jul 7)
  23. ^Bilbao A, Spanagel RMedical cannabinoids: a pharmacology-based systematic review and meta-analysis for all relevant medical indications.BMC Med.(2022 Aug 19)
  24. ^Wang J, Wang Y, Tong M, Pan H, Li DMedical Cannabinoids for Cancer Cachexia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Biomed Res Int.(2019)
  25. ^Rosager EV, Møller C, Sjögren MTreatment studies with cannabinoids in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review.Eat Weight Disord.(2021-Mar)
  26. ^Rainer Spanagel, Ainhoa BilbaoApproved cannabinoids for medical purposes - Comparative systematic review and meta-analysis for sleep and appetiteNeuropharmacology.(2021 Jun 26)
  27. ^Johnson S, Ziegler J, August DACannabinoid use for appetite stimulation and weight gain in cancer care: Does recent evidence support an update of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism clinical guidelines?Nutr Clin Pract.(2021 Aug)
  28. ^Cheng KC, Li YX, Cheng JTThe use of herbal medicine in cancer-related anorexia/ cachexia treatment around the world.Curr Pharm Des.(2012)
  29. ^Muscaritoli M, Arends J, Bachmann P, Baracos V, Barthelemy N, Bertz H, Bozzetti F, Hütterer E, Isenring E, Kaasa S, Krznaric Z, Laird B, Larsson M, Laviano A, Mühlebach S, Oldervoll L, Ravasco P, Solheim TS, Strasser F, de van der Schueren M, Preiser JC, Bischoff SCESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer.Clin Nutr.(2021 May)
  30. ^Muhammad S Mansour, Yu-Ming Ni, Amy L Roberts, Michael Kelleman, Arindam Roychoudhury, Marie-Pierre St-OngeGinger consumption enhances the thermic effect of food and promotes feelings of satiety without affecting metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight men: a pilot studyMetabolism.(2012 Oct)
  31. ^Najmeh Maharlouei, Reza Tabrizi, Kamran B Lankarani, Abbas Rezaianzadeh, Maryam Akbari, Fariba Kolahdooz, Maryam Rahimi, Fariba Keneshlou, Zatollah AsemiThe effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr.(2019)
  32. ^Palatty PL, Haniadka R, Valder B, Arora R, Baliga MSGinger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting: a reviewCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr.(2013)
  33. ^Ernst E, Pittler MHEfficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trialsBr J Anaesth.(2000 Mar)
  34. ^Erica Bessell, Alison Maunder, Romy Lauche, Jon Adams, Amanda Sainsbury, Nicholas R FullerEfficacy of dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trialsInt J Obes (Lond).(2021 May 11)
  35. ^Massironi S, Viganò C, Palermo A, Pirola L, Mulinacci G, Allocca M, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Danese SInflammation and malnutrition in inflammatory bowel disease.Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol.(2023 Jun)
  36. ^Cavalcoli F, Zilli A, Conte D, Massironi SMicronutrient deficiencies in patients with chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis: A review.World J Gastroenterol.(2017 Jan 28)
  37. ^Saunders J, Brian A, Wright M, Stroud MMalnutrition and nutrition support in patients with liver disease.Frontline Gastroenterol.(2010 Jul)
  38. ^Wiese ML, Gärtner S, von Essen N, Doller J, Frost F, Tran QT, Weiss FU, Meyer F, Valentini L, Garbe LA, Metges CC, Bannert K, Sautter LF, Ehlers L, Jaster R, Lamprecht G, Steveling A, Lerch MM, Aghdassi AAMalnutrition Is Highly Prevalent in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis and Characterized by Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass but Absence of Impaired Physical Function.Front Nutr.(2022)
  39. ^Arundhati Rai, Mallika Tewari, S C Mohapatra, H S ShuklaCorrelation of nutritional parameters of gallbladder cancer patientsJ Surg Oncol.(2006 Jun 15)
  40. ^Boster JM, Feldman AG, Mack CL, Sokol RJ, Sundaram SSMalnutrition in Biliary Atresia: Assessment, Management, and Outcomes.Liver Transpl.(2022 Mar)
  41. ^Laelago Ersado T“Causes of Malnutrition”. Combating Malnutrition through Sustainable Approaches. IntechOpen(2022-05-14)
  42. ^Safaei M, Sundararajan EA, Driss M, Boulila W, Shapi'i AA systematic literature review on obesity: Understanding the causes & consequences of obesity and reviewing various machine learning approaches used to predict obesity.Comput Biol Med.(2021 Sep)
  43. ^Dipasquale V, Cucinotta U, Romano CAcute Malnutrition in Children: Pathophysiology, Clinical Effects and Treatment.Nutrients.(2020 Aug 12)
  44. ^Mehta NM, Corkins MR, Lyman B, Malone A, Goday PS, Carney LN, Monczka JL, Plogsted SW, Schwenk WF, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Board of DirectorsDefining pediatric malnutrition: a paradigm shift toward etiology-related definitions.JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr.(2013 Jul)
  45. ^Guideline: Updates on the Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Infants and Children.(2013)
Examine Database References
  1. Weight - Paiandeh M, Maghalian M, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Mirghafourvand MThe effect of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplements on anthropometric measures and respiratory infections in malnourished children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Pediatr.(2024 Nov 6)
  2. Infant Birth Weight - Dewey KG, Wessells KR, Arnold CD, Adu-Afarwuah S, Arnold BF, Ashorn P, Ashorn U, Garcés A, Huybregts L, Krebs NF, Lartey A, Leroy JL, Maleta K, Matias SL, Moore SE, Mridha MK, Okronipa H, Stewart CPEffects of prenatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on pregnancy, birth, and infant outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials in low- and middle-income countries.Am J Clin Nutr.(2024 Aug 16)