Resource 3: Definitions of malnutrition

1. Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body does not get the right amount of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ malnutrition [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] )
2. Malnutrition is defined as poor health as the result of not digesting enough nutritious food. (http://www.yourdictionary.com/ malnutrition)
3. Malnutrition is a broad term commonly used as an alternative to undernutrition but technically it also refers to overnutrition. People are malnourished if their diet does not provide adequate calories and protein for growth and maintenance or they are unable to fully utilise the food they eat due to illness (undernutrition). They are also malnourished if they consume too many calories (overnutrition). (http://www.unicef.org/ progressforchildren/ 2006n4/ malnutritiondefinition.html)
4. Malnutrition is a term used to refer to any condition in which the body does not receive enough nutrients for proper function. Malnutrition may range from mild to severe and life-threatening. It can be a result of starvation, in which a person has an inadequate intake of calories, or it may be related to a deficiency of one particular nutrient (for example, vitamin C deficiency). Malnutrition can also occur because a person cannot properly digest or absorb nutrients from the food they consume, as may occur with certain medical conditions. Malnutrition remains a significant global problem, especially in developing countries. (http://www.medterms.com/ script/ main/ art.asp?articlekey=88521)
5. Malnutrition is a serious condition that occurs when a person’s diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients. It means ‘poor nutrition’ and can refer to undernutrition (when you don't get enough nutrients) and overnutrition (when you get more nutrients than you need). (http://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/ Malnutrition/ Pages/ Introduction.aspx)