# Malnutrition --- **Malnutrition** is the a lack of proper [[nutrition]]. This can either be from having too much of certain nutrients or not enough of them. ## Overnutrition **Overnutrition** is when someone is consuming too much energy or a given nutrient/s over time. This can cause conditions such as obesity, heart disease, or even nutrient toxicity. [[Obesity]]. ## Undernutrition **Undernutrition** is when someone is not consuming enough energy or a given nutrient/s over time. This can cause significant weight loss, a primary nutrient deficiency, or a nutrient-deficiency [[disease]]. Under nutrition can be caused by food insecurity, an inability to eat, or a choice not to eat, such as with [[eating disorders|anorexia]].. ### Nutrient Deficiencies **Nutrient deficiencies** a type of malnutrition where the body lacks a necessary amount of a particular nutrient. They can be classified as either primary or secondary. Nutrient deficiencies can be occurring even if there are no clear signs or symptoms of the condition. If that is the case, the signs and symptoms are considered **covert** and it is referred to as **subclinical deficiency**. Even so, laboratory tests or procedures can be used to detect them. Once the signs and symptoms become apparent, they are considered **overt** signs. #### Primary Nutrient Deficiencies **Primary nutrient deficiencies** are when someone is not *consuming* enough of a particular nutrient. This can be treated by a change of diet or supplements. ##### Protein-Energy Malnutrition **Protein-energy malnutrition** is a type of primary nutrient deficiency where someone is severely lacking in [[protein]] in their diets. - **Marasmus** is a [[disease]] that results from too little protein, energy, and other nutrients. It wastes a patient away, so they are "skin and bones". Overall calorie deficiency. - **Kwashiorkor** is a [[disease]] that results in developing countries where little children are weened too early and do not receive enough protein, even if they have enough calories. Proteins in the blood such as [[albumin]] contribute to Since patients don't have enough protein in their bloodstream, the osmotic pressure drops, and fluids cause the bloating. This combined with poor intestinal [[normal microbiota|normal flora]] can cause a lot [[edema]] in the hands, feet and belly. #### Secondary Nutrient Deficiencies **Secondary nutrient deficiencies** occur because a different disorder is causing the body to be unable to absorb a particular nutrient, or it excretes too much of that nutrient, or even if it makes it so the body cannot utilize it as efficiently as necessary. ___