While there isn't one universally defined "4 stages" of malnutrition, experts often describe it through different forms, primarily focusing on undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight, micronutrient deficiency) and its opposite, overnutrition (overweight, obesity, diet-related diseases), highlighting a spectrum from not enough to too much, or an imbalance. A simpler way to view stages might be by severity or progression: mild deficiency, moderate deficiency, severe deficiency (e.g., marasmus, kwashiorkor), and then potentially refeeding/recovery, but the common framework is by type, not sequential stages.
Other symptoms include: Pale, thick and dry skin. Bruising easily. Rashes.
Deficiency of protein and energy during infancy is one of the most serious problems throughout the world. It leads to clinical syndromes such as Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, and Anemia. Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency disease, caused due to poor intake of protein or quality protein over a prolonged period of time.
Some children may become malnourished because of an eating disorder or a behavioural or psychological condition that means they avoid or refuse food. Malnutrition caused by a poor diet is rare in the UK, but it can happen if a child is neglected, living in poverty or being abused.
loss of appetite and lack of interest in food or fluids. unplanned weight loss – this might cause clothing, rings, watches or dentures to become loose. tiredness or low energy levels. reduced ability to perform everyday tasks like showering, getting dressed or cooking.
Dietary changes and supplements
Common problems encountered in severe acute malnutrition include hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, severe dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, septic shock, severe anaemia and severe vitamin A deficiency.
Malnutrition is treatable, but some effects can linger. Effects of severe undernutrition, such as blindness from vitamin A deficiency, soft bones from vitamin D deficiency and stunted growth from protein-energy undernutrition in children may not be reversible, even after rehabilitation.
Children and adults who experience any aspects of underweight malnutrition are at further risk for serious diseases, infections, and debilitating conditions. This includes pneumonia, edema, and even depression and anxiety.
The most common diseases that can cause malnutrition include oncological diseases such as cancer, pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis (CF) and gastroenterological diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Top Diet Red Flags
If your prealbumin levels are lower than normal, it may be a sign of malnutrition. Malnutrition is a condition where your body doesn't get enough of the nutrients that you need for good health, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Changes in hair, skin and nails.
Hair may thin and lose its shine; some people also start losing hair. Malnutrition also changes the skin, making it dry, flaky and less elastic. In addition, skin will bruise and tear easily.
Vitamin D. Studies have concluded that people who suffer from eczema and other similar skin conditions tend to have lower levels of vitamin D than the rest of the population. Taking a vitamin D supplement therefore increases your levels, helping to reduce the severity of itchy skin.
Symptoms such as pins and needles, disturbed vision, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness and problems with balancing and walking, psychological problems such as depression and confusion, problems with memory, understanding and judgement could also be related to B12 deficiency.
Treatment in hospital
You'll be seen by a number of healthcare professionals if you're admitted to hospital with malnutrition or suspected malnutrition. They may include: a doctor who specialises in treating digestive conditions (a gastroenterologist) a dietitian.
Thus, using milk to rehabilitate people, especially children, poses a considerable hazard. High carbohydrate diets to rehabilitate starving people can cause gross edema and fatal congestive heart failure.
Severe acute malnutrition is when a person is extremely thin and at risk of dying. They need immediate treatment. The response to acute malnutrition is broad and includes several elements such as medical, food, water and hygiene, and social services.
poor concentration. feeling cold most of the time. low mood, sadness and depression.
Marasmus can be caused by starvation or not having enough nutrients. The body will start feeding on its own fat and muscle, then begin shutting down some functions to conserve energy. Marasmus causes low heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. This form of malnutrition can be fatal, leading to heart failure.
Signs and symptoms that someone's eating disorder may be causing heart problems include lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, frequent nose bleeds and a lack of energy, he said.
Current WHO guidelines recommend oral amoxicillin for children with uncomplicated malnutrition and parenteral benzylpenicillin and gentamicin for those with complicated malnutrition.
Preventing malnutrition
Yes, Sustagen (especially formulas like Optimum or Hospital Formula) can be very good for the elderly to help fill nutritional gaps from reduced appetite, support muscle health with protein, and provide essential vitamins and minerals for energy and immunity, but it's crucial to check labels for sugar/fat and ideally use it as a supplement to a balanced diet, not a replacement, and consult a doctor or dietitian.