What does malnutrition mean in biology?
It is important to understand that malnutrition is not just about not eating enough food or eating the wrong types of food. It is also about having an imbalance between the energy (or calories) consumed and the energy your body needs for normal body functions. This imbalance of energy intake and energy use can lead to weight loss or weight gain, increased risk of chronic disease, and unbalanced hormone levels.
What is malnutrition in the body mean?
There are many different types of malnutrition. The most common is an absolute lack of essential nutrients. This is known as protein-energy malnutrition or PEM. It is estimated that 30% of the world population is affected by PEM. It is usually most common in children who are malnourished due to poverty or conflict. Protein-energy malnutrition can lead to brain damage, mental retardation, and increased risk of disease.
What do the terms malnutrition and starvation mean in biology?
The two most common terms used to describe a lack of good nutritional intake are malnutrition and starvation. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Someone who is starving is already showing symptoms of malnutrition, including weight loss, weakness, and wasting of the muscles and other body tissues. Someone who is malnourished is not showing these symptoms yet, but they are at risk for developing it.
What is protein malnutrition mean?
Protein malnutrition is an eating disorder that is caused by an insufficient intake of protein or an excess of calories, fat, or carbohydrates. Protein malnutrition is a form of malnutrition and affects all major organs including the brain, heart, lungs, muscles, and digestive system. Protein malnutrition has many causes, including poor diet, anorexia, and chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and tuberculosis. Protein malnutrition is a dangerous illness that often leads to permanent organ damage and even death.
What is protein starvation mean?
Protein starvation is the lack of protein in the body. Protein is an essential macronutrient that the body needs for growth and repair. Protein is made up of 20 amino acids linked together. Nine of these essential amino acids can be obtained through a healthy vegetarian diet. However, eight of the essential amino acids must be obtained through the food we eat. This means we need to eat foods rich in protein to get enough. Protein deficiency is the most common type of malnutrition in the world.