Malnutrition Specialist

What is malnutrition?

A healthy diet should provide your body with all the nutrients and energy you require. But when you don’t take in enough nutrients, such as fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, you can experience malnutrition.

You can consume more calories in a day than your body needs and still be malnourished. This typically occurs when you’re not eating enough nutritious foods such as:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Lean protein
• Beans
• Low-fat dairy
• Nuts and seeds

This form of malnutrition is more common in impoverished communities where children and adults lack access to a regular diet of nutritious, affordable food.

Is malnutrition harmful?

Malnutrition can result in vitamin, mineral, or protein deficiencies. Malnutrition in children, especially young children, may lead to developmental delays, stunted growth, and more illnesses due to poor immune function.

What causes malnutrition?

Malnutrition may be caused by:

• A lack of nutrients in your diet
• A poorly balanced diet
• Eating disorders
• Severe infection
• Physical trauma
• Medical conditions, such as cancer

Older adults, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, may be more prone to malnutrition because they forget to eat.

How do I know if I’m malnourished? 

Common signs of malnutrition include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Slow or stunted growth (in children)
• Dry, scaly skin
• Brittle, thinning hair
• Enlarged thyroid gland

A lack of certain nutrients or vitamins can produce additional symptoms. For example, a vitamin B12 deficiency may cause numbness, tingling, and burning in your hands and feet. 

If you’re worried about malnutrition, see Dr. Shareef for an expert diagnosis.

How is malnutrition diagnosed?

Dr. Shareef takes a complete medical history and examines you. She typically recommends screening tests to evaluate your blood and organ functions. If she suspects nutritional deficiencies, she recommends tests to measure the presence of specific vitamins and minerals in your blood.

How is malnutrition treated?

Dr. Shareef recommends an optimal treatment plan for your form of malnutrition. Your plan typically includes regular monitoring, particularly if you suffer from a chronic malabsorption disorder or a condition that saps your body of necessary protein or nutrients. 

She works with you to restore the nutrients and vitamins your body lacks. Her goal is to ensure that malnutrition isn’t a recurring problem for you. 

To get the help you need today, call Kishwar Shareef MD, PC, or book a consultation online.