Causes of Malnourishment

Malnourishment, also referred to as malnutrition or inadequate nutrition, occurs most often in the elderly and in young children, although anyone who does not get the necessary amount of nutrients is at risk. Malnourishment is both preventable and treatable and can lead to complications that include mental and physical disabilities, susceptibility to infections and illnesses, and even death if left untreated.

Dysphagia

• People who have problems chewing or swallowing, known as dysphagia, might become malnourished. Dental problems or poorly fitting dentures can contribute to chewing problems in older adults. People who have had a stroke or other neurological disorders may be unable to chew or swallow foods, which can lead to malnourishment.

Illness

• Elderly people with long-term illnesses, such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease or stroke. could develop malnourishment because of poor appetite or a decreased ability to shop for, prepare and cook foods. Infections, such as pneumonia and HIV, also can lead to malnourishment and significant weight loss. People with cancers of the digestive organs and inflammatory bowel disorders might become malnourished as a result of organ damage and dysfunction.

Medications

• People who use certain types of medications may develop malnourishment because of changes in taste and appetite. Antidepressants can cause people to lose interest in eating, which can lead to malnourishment. People who take medications for high blood pressure, osteoporosis or pain may experience side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, appetite suppression and stomach irritation, which can lead to malnourishment, especially in elderly people.

Mental Health Disorders

• People with clinical depression sometimes lose interest in eating and become malnourished. Those who purposely starve themselves, such as people with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, can develop malnourishment and other health problems. Alcoholics or drug addicts may not remember or want to eat and can become malnourished as a result.

Poverty

• People who lack money to buy adequate food may develop malnourishment. Those who live in poverty also may not have transportation to get to a grocery store or farmer's market that sells healthy foods. Markets and convenience stores located in poor neighborhoods may not sell nutritious foods, which can cause dietary deficiencies.

Vitamin Deficiencies

• People who are unable to absorb certain types of nutrients from the foods they eat may become malnourished. Celiac disease is a disorder that can lead to malnourishment due to the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid and iron. People whose diets lack even one vitamin or mineral can become malnourished, even if they eat an otherwise sufficient amount of food.