Nutrition - inadequate

Treatment usually consists of replacing missing nutrients, treating symptoms as needed, and treating any underlying medical condition.

The outlook depends on the cause of the malnutrition. Most nutritional deficiencies can be corrected. However, if malnutrition is caused by a medical condition, that illness has to be treated in order to reverse the nutritional deficiency.

If untreated, malnutrition can lead to mental or physical disability, illness, and possibly death.

Discuss the risk of malnutrition with your health care provider. Treatment is necessary if you or your child have any changes in the body's ability to function. Contact your health care provider if the following symptoms develop:

• Fainting
• Lack of menstruation
• Lack of growth in children
• Rapid hair loss

Images

Food guide pyramid

Review Date: 06/14/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine (4/30/2011).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)