Malnutrition
Description
Malnutrition has generally been regarded as synonymous with food shortage, especially lack of protein (Kwashiorkor). However, it may also be applied to a food surplus and a shortage of essential nutrients. Literally, it simply means: "bad" nutrition.
Causes
A host of socio-economic reasons may be listed for the endemic starvation in many Third World countries of Africa and Asia. Infants and children are most vulnerable and may suffer retarded growth and a short lifespan.
Signs & Symptoms
A severe form of protein and calorie malnutrition is termed marasmus: occurring during famines. Children are stunted, emaciated, mentally retarded and prone to infection and disease.
Kwashiorkor is derived from a Ghanaian word meaning "dislodged from the breast". The available diet is inadequate and reserves from breast milk do not last long given the rapid growth between 1 and 3 years of age.
Superficially, the children may appear to be fat because they have a puffy appearance, which is actually due to edema (accumulation of fluid in the tissues).
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Multi Vitamin/Multi Mineral Formulas
---------------------------------
General Supplements
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| Bioflavonoids* | |
| Digestive Enzymes* | |
| EPO* | |
| Vitamin B Complex | 100 mg |
| Vitamin C | 3,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 600 IU |
| Zinc | 80 mg |
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Malnutrition mostly occurs in cases of socioeconomic deprivation so recommending foods is an exercise in futility.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Ferrum metallicum | (anemic?) |
Natrum carbonicum
Natrum Muriaticum
Nux vomica
Phosphoricum acidum
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Alfalfa
Amino Acid Complex
Blessed Thistle
Caraway
Cayenne (Capsicum)
Celery
Dill
Fennel
Fenugreek
Ginseng
Hyssop
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
The digestive process begins with the sense of smell!
Recommended essential oils include:
| Fennel Essence, | Hyssop Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Underweight
References
Almeida SS et al., Malnutrition and reactivity to drugs acting in the central nervous system. Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 1996 Autumn, 20:3, 389-402.
Babameto G & Kotler DP: Malnutrition in HIV infection. Gastroenterol Clin North Am, 1997 Jun, 26:2, 393-415.
Cano-N: [Role of hepatocellular insufficiency and kidney failure on nutritional management] Ann-Fr-Anesth-Reanim. 1995; 14 Suppl 2: 107-11.
Cheskin LJ et al., Improved detection of malnutrition by medical housestaff following focused-teaching intervention. J Gen Intern Med, 1996 Sep, 11:9, 548-50.
Chima CS et al., Relationship of nutritional status to length of stay, hospital costs, and discharge status of patients hospitalized in the medicine service. J Am Diet Assoc, 1997 Sep, 97:9, 975-8; quiz 979-80.
Darnton-Hill I: Developing industrial-governmental-academic partnerships to address micronutrient malnutrition. Nutr Rev, 1997 Mar, 55:3, 76-81.
Ferro-Luzzi A & James WP: Adult malnutrition: simple assessment techniques for use in emergencies. Br J Nutr, 1996 Jan, 75:1, 3-10.
Gallagher-Allred CR et al., Malnutrition and clinical outcomes: the case for medical nutrition therapy. J Am Diet Assoc, 1996 Apr, 96:4, 361-6, 369; quiz 367-8.
Giner M et al., In 1995 a correlation between malnutrition and poor outcome in critically ill patients still exists [see comments]. Nutrition, 1996 Jan, 12:1, 23-9.
Levraut-J et al: [Effect of postoperative complications on nutritional status: therapeutic consequences]. Ann-Fr-Anesth-Reanim. 1995; 14 Suppl 2: 66-74.
Loguercio C et al., Nutritional status and survival of patients with liver cirrhosis: anthropometric evaluation. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol, 1996 Jun, 42:2, 57-60.
Maiani G & D'Amicis A: Vitamin nutritional status in Italy. Eur J Cancer Prev, 1997 Mar, 6 Suppl 1:, S3-9.
Maklebust-J & Magnan-MA: Risk factors associated with having a pressure ulcer: a secondary data analysis. Adv-Wound-Care. 1994 Nov; 7(6): 25, 27-8, 31-4 passim.
Melchior-JC : [How to assess preoperative nutritional status?]. Ann. Fr. Anesth. Reanim. 1995; 14 Suppl 2: 19-26.
Naber TH et al., Specificity of indexes of malnutrition when applied to apparently healthy people: the effect of age. Am J Clin Nutr, 1997 Jun, 65:6, 1721-5.
Reynolds JV et al., Impaired gut barrier function in malnourished patients. Br J Surg, 1996 Sep, 83:9, 1288-91.
Vieira MJ et al., Preoperative assessment in cases of adult megacolon suffering from moderate malnutrition. Nutrition, 1996 Jul-Aug, 12:7-8, 491-5.
Zawada ET Jr: Malnutrition in the elderly. Is it simply a matter of not eating enough? Postgrad Med, 1996 Jul, 100:1, 207-8, 211-4, 220-2 passim.
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