Malnutrition: Social Pharmacy Theory Notes 1st year PDF Book

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition covers 2 broad groups of conditions. One is ‘undernutrition’—which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age), and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals). The other is overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer).

Many families cannot afford or access enough nutritious foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, meat, and milk, while foods and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt are cheaper and more readily available, leading to a rapid rise in the number of children and adults who are overweight and obese, in poor as well as rich countries. It is quite common to find undernutrition and overweight within the same community, household, or even individual – it is possible to be both overweight and micronutrient deficient
Malnutrition affects people in every country. Around 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight, while 462 million are underweight. An estimated 41 million children under the age of 5 years are overweight or obese, while some 159 million are stunted and 50 million are wasted. Adding to this burden are the 528 million or 29% of women of reproductive age around the world affected by anemia, for which approximately half would be amenable to iron supplementation.

The main types of malnutrition are:
Undernutrition: Includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), and underweight (low weight for age).
Overnutrition: Refers to excessive intake of calories, unhealthy diets, and obesity-related conditions.

Malnutrition can be caused by various factors, including poverty, lack of access to nutritious food, poor maternal and childcare practices, inadequate healthcare, food insecurity, and unhealthy diets.

Malnutrition can have severe and long-lasting effects on physical and mental health, including growth stunting, weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infections, developmental delays, cognitive impairment, and even death.

Vulnerable populations such as children under five years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women, elderly individuals, and people in low-income or conflict-affected areas are at higher risk of malnutrition.

Malnutrition during early childhood can lead to irreversible cognitive and physical impairments. Stunted growth and cognitive deficits can affect a child’s learning abilities, productivity, and overall well-being.

Yes, malnutrition can be prevented through a combination of interventions, including improving access to nutritious food, promoting breastfeeding, ensuring proper maternal and child care, and providing education on healthy eating habits.

Poverty is a significant underlying cause of malnutrition. Limited financial resources can restrict access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods, leading to inadequate diets.

Malnutrition contributes to various health challenges, including increased child mortality, weakened immune systems, and a higher risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Yes, malnutrition can be treated through medical and nutritional interventions. Severely malnourished individuals may require therapeutic feeding programs, nutritional supplements, and medical care.

Signs of malnutrition include weight loss, fatigue, weakness, slow healing, frequent infections, and changes in physical appearance such as thinning hair and dry skin.

While malnutrition is more prevalent in developing countries, it can also be a problem in developed nations, where overnutrition and obesity are significant concerns.

Malnutrition places a strain on public health systems, leading to increased healthcare costs, a higher burden of preventable diseases, and reduced workforce productivity.

International organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and World Food Programme work to address malnutrition through programs focused on improving nutrition, food security, and maternal and child health.

Individuals can contribute by supporting local and global initiatives, raising awareness about malnutrition, promoting healthy eating habits, and advocating for policies that address the underlying causes of malnutrition.