HomeHealth TopicsFood NutritionMalnutrition
Back to Food Nutrition
Malnutrition
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Food Nutrition

Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when the body lacks the necessary balance of calories and nutrients to maintain health, affecting individuals of all ages through undernutrition, overnutrition, or nutrient imbalances.

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition means that your body isn't getting enough calories or the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy. This can happen if you don't get enough protein, carbohydrates, and fats, eat too much unhealthy food, or don't get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Malnutrition can affect people of all ages, but children, older adults, and people with chronic (long-term) health problems have a higher risk.

What are the types of malnutrition?

Most people think of undernutrition with malnutrition. But malnutrition can refer to undernutrition, overnutrition, or an imbalance of nutrients. Types of malnutrition include:

  • Protein-energy undernutrition, also called macronutrient undernutrition, happens when your body doesn't get enough protein or calories from food. Two serious forms of this are kwashiorkor and marasmus.
  • An imbalanced nutritional status occurs when you are not getting the right mix of nutrients. You may get enough calories, but not enough vitamins or minerals.
  • Vitamin deficiency diseases happen when your body doesn't get enough of certain vitamins. Without the right vitamins, your body cannot stay healthy and may develop specific diseases. For example, scurvy can develop from too little vitamin C, rickets from too little vitamin D, and anemia from too little iron or vitamin B12.
  • Failure to thrive occurs when children don't gain weight or grow as expected. This may be due to not getting enough food, trouble absorbing nutrients, or other health problems.
  • Overnutrition can occur when your body gets too many calories or nutrients. This may lead to obesity or other health issues.

What causes malnutrition?

Malnutrition may occur for many reasons, including:

  • An unbalanced diet that lacks variety or specific nutrients.
  • Some medical issues, which could include malabsorption syndromes, dementia, eating disorders, depression, alcohol use disorder (AUD), or cancer.
  • Problems with swallowing, digestion, or dental issues.
  • Certain medicines that affect how food tastes and smells.
  • Not being able to get food or cook due to things such as chronic illness, mobility issues, or low income.

Who is at risk for developing malnutrition?

Malnutrition can affect anyone, but some people have a higher risk than others. This includes people who:

  • Don't have enough knowledge about nutrition
  • Don't have access to a variety of food
  • Are older adults or children
  • Have a low income
  • Have a chronic (long-term) illness

What are the symptoms of malnutrition?

The symptoms of malnutrition can vary. You may have no symptoms, but if you do, they may include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Low body weight
  • Slow growth or development in children
  • Frequent infections or slow healing
  • Dry skin or brittle hair and nails
  • Swelling in the legs, feet, or belly

How is malnutrition diagnosed?

To check for malnutrition, your provider may:

  • Do a nutritional screening, which may include questions about weight loss, changes in your appetite, and your ability to eat.
  • Do a physical exam and order blood tests to check for signs that you don't have enough nutrients.
  • Refer you to other providers that specialize in nutrition, such as a dietician.

What are the treatments for malnutrition?

Treatment for malnutrition may include improving your diet, replacing missing nutrients, and treating the underlying cause.

Can malnutrition be prevented?

To help prevent malnutrition, eat a healthy diet with many different foods. Talk with your provider if you are worried about your diet, weight loss, or your child's growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early signs in older adults often include unintentional weight loss of more than 5% of body weight over six months, a noticeable loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), and a reduced appetite or loss of interest in food. Other indicators include poor dental health, difficulty chewing or swallowing, social isolation, or a decline in the ability to shop, cook, or manage medications. Cognitive changes, such as confusion or memory loss, can also be linked to nutrient deficiencies like B12 or thiamine. Regular check-ins on meal quality and quantity are essential for early detection.
Yes, malnutrition in adults is often reversible, but the timeline for recovery varies significantly based on the severity and duration of the deficiency. Mild cases may show improvement in energy levels and weight stabilization within a few weeks of dietary correction. More severe cases, such as those involving significant muscle wasting or organ dysfunction, may require months of supervised nutritional rehabilitation, which might include oral nutritional supplements, tube feeding, or hospitalization. Recovery is monitored through regular blood tests and physical assessments to ensure that nutrient levels are normalizing and that the body is rebuilding muscle and tissue mass.
The first step is to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or a registered dietitian for a comprehensive nutritional assessment. In the meantime, the caregiver should keep a food diary for three to five days to track exactly what is being eaten and any associated symptoms like nausea or pain. It is also helpful to document any recent weight changes, changes in bowel habits, or new medications. Do not force-feed the individual, as this can cause distress; instead, focus on offering small, nutrient-dense meals and ensuring adequate hydration while awaiting professional guidance.
While weight loss is a common symptom of both, malnutrition specifically involves a deficiency in energy, protein, or other nutrients that impairs physiological function. In chronic illness, weight loss may be due to increased metabolic demands or side effects of medication, but if the patient is still consuming a balanced diet, it may not be classified as malnutrition. However, the line is often blurred because chronic illness frequently leads to poor intake. A clinical assessment usually involves measuring body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference, and serum albumin or prealbumin levels to determine if the weight loss is driven by inadequate nutritional intake or absorption.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss