Causes of Malnutrition

As Americans we are influenced by various environments and people that affect our food and lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, these influences are not always positive and often can lead to malnutrition. Our nature to succumb to unhealthy life choices has contributed to the great prevalence of malnutrition throughout the nation. A westernized diet high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar is followed by many Americans. Most do not eat enough fruits and vegetables and therefore do not meet their daily vitamin and mineral requirements. The most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Calcium. These micro-nutrients are essential to the diet, especially for growing children in order for them to reach their full physical development. A balanced diet with fruits vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low fat dairy support a healthy, nourished body. Click the link below for more information about a healthy diet provided by MyPlate and Dietary Guidelines for Americans. MyPlate is a template that a complete meal should be based off of. Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides recommendations regarding food choices to lead a healthy life.

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/

Media is another factor that greatly influences lifestyle choices. Often, unhealthy diets are promoted to "lose weight fast" or "lose weight without exercise." These diet plans usually do not meet nutrient needs and lead, instead, to a malnutrition. Body image is another aspect that primarily affects young females. Young women are striving to fulfill an impossible body size by following extremely unhealthy eating patterns. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia do not allow the body to get the nutrients it needs and cause the person to suffer extreme malnutrition symptoms. Factors regarding the media need to be controlled and shift to promoting a healthy lifestyle, rather than easy ways to lose weight and promoting an unattainable figure. Healthy weight loss is reached by losing 1-2 pounds per week and can be achieved by following the advice on the above links.

In underdeveloped countries, malnutrition is extremely prevalent. This is another starvation issue but instead of the cause being dissatisfaction with self, it is natural and political disasters leading to food unavailability. In these cases, diseases such as Kwashiorkor and Marasmus develop. Kwashiorkor results in decreased muscle mass, failure to gain weight and grow, and a large swelled stomach. As it progresses, edema, which fluid accumulation, is seen in the lower legs and feet and spreads to hands and face. Marasmus is the rapid deterioration in nutritional status in a short period of time. It is less severe than kwashiorkor, however, both diseases have life threatening risks if they remain untreated. Both diseases are cured by slowly adding calories to the diet. The sooner these conditions are treated, the more likely the person is of returning back to full health. In children, these cases are extremely common. If they are not treated, children will not reach their full physical growth or mental development. Kwashiorkor and marasmus afflict an estimated 17 million children worldwide, and results in the loss of 1 million children under five every year. The site below provides more information about these diseases and an opportunity to donate to prevent world hunger.

http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/hunger

Malnutrition is often linked to preexisting clinical conditions. Certain conditions, such as chron's disease, cystic fibrosis, or cancer, can cause gastrointestinal absorption issues or impaired ability to utilize nutrients and then lead to various nutrient deficiencies. When people are allergic to certain foods, like lactose, and must cohere to a specific diet, must be cautious of all the nutrients they need and know how to modify their diet to meet these needs while staying away from the specific foods they are allergic to. Supplementation may be necessary in some cases, depending on the preexisting condition.

Infection and Illness is especially concerning with regards to malnutrition. Infection and illness reduce nutrient intake through diminished appetite, impaired absorption, increased nutrient losses, and altered metabolism so that the nutrient requirements are increased. Once someone is malnourished, they become increasingly susceptible to infection and illness. This creates a vicious cycle that can only be ended with the implementation of a healthy diet.