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Malnutrition

State resulting from a deficiency, excess, or imbalance of energy, protein, or other nutrients that causes measurable adverse effects.

Also: Undernutrition

Clinical malnutrition is increasingly defined by etiology: starvation-related (chronic intake deficiency), chronic disease-related (mild to moderate inflammation), and acute disease- or injury-related (severe inflammation). Diagnostic criteria from ASPEN/Academy include weight loss, low energy intake, loss of muscle/fat, fluid accumulation, and reduced grip strength. The GLIM framework harmonizes these into a global standard.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 39

    Clinical malnutrition is increasingly defined by etiology: starvation-related (chronic intake deficiency), chronic disease-related (mild to moderate inflammation), and acute disease- or injury-related (severe inflammation). Diagnostic criteria from ASPEN/Academy include weight loss, low energy intake, loss of muscle/fat, fluid accumulation, and reduced grip strength. The GLIM framework harmonizes these into a global standard.

Related terms

Cachexia, GLIM Criteria, Sarcopenia