Question

Define the term malnutrition. Discuss the interaction between malnutrition and infection with the help of a flow chart.

Hint:

Proper nutrition helps break the vicious cycle between infection and malnutrition.

Answer 1

Malnutrition is a condition that results from an unbalanced diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, in excess, or in the wrong proportions. It includes both undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight) and overnutrition (obesity, micronutrient excess). Malnutrition and infection have a bidirectional relationship. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making a person more vulnerable to infections. Infections, in turn, aggravate malnutrition by decreasing appetite, increasing nutrient requirements, and causing nutrient loss.