The German Center for Nutrition said that malnutrition means that the body lacks some minerals, vitamins and proteins important for health, such as iron, magnesium and vitamin B12 (B 12).
The center explained that malnutrition has several causes, most notably:
1- Unhealthy nutrition (processed foods and finished products).
2- Some diseases such as chronic bowel disease.
3- Old age.
4- The increased need for nutrients during certain life periods, such as pregnancy and lactation, as well as for athletes.
5- Excessive consumption of coffee and sweets.
6- Heavy smoking.
7- Some medicines may prevent the proper absorption of nutrients.
8- Psychological stress, such as sadness and tension, may lead to malnutrition. Since it leads to loss of appetite and stomach and intestinal troubles.
Symptoms
General symptoms of malnutrition are a constant feeling of fatigue, fatigue, decreased ability to exert, poor concentration, headache and dizziness.
There are also characteristic symptoms of deficiency of each component separately; Pallor of the face, hair loss, nail peeling in the event of iron deficiency, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and muscle cramps in the event of a magnesium deficiency, a decline in muscle mass in the event of protein deficiency, tingling and numbness in the extremities in the event of vitamin B12 deficiency.
When these symptoms are noticed, a therapeutic dietitian should be consulted to cope with malnutrition, by following a healthy and balanced diet, with the possibility of resorting to nutritional supplements if necessary.