Harmful effects of malnutrition and possible sustainable solution

Abstract

Malnutrition is a condition that results from eating a diet that does not supply a healthy amount of one or more nutrients. It is a condition characterized by lack of one or more essential nutrients from the diet or a surplus of some nutrients which affect the body negatively. Malnutrition consists of two types: undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition involves the deficiency of macronutrients like protein or calories and micronutrients like iron, iodine and many more. Protein energy malnutrition is caused by the inadequate intake of protein and calories. It is further classified in three types, kwashiorkor, marasmus and marasmic kwashiorkor. Malnutrition mainly affects an individual’s immune system, lean body mass, cardio-respiratory functions, muscle functions. Malnutrition can be caused due to many factors including unavailability of food, poverty, higher food prices and many more. Strategies like biofortification and supplementation are used for the treatment of malnutrition.