Malnutrition occurs when the body of a person is not getting the adequate sum of the most essentials nutrients, which are chemical substances found in food. The human body requires a good nutrition to realize important functions such as growing, developing and maintaining all the organs in the body.
These nutrients are in charge of the growing of the body, its maintenance and activity. Nutrients may be separated in two categories: macronutrients, which are those needed by the body in big amounts like proteins, carbohydrates and some minerals. The other category is formed by micronutrients, which are the required in the smallest quantities such as vitamins and trace minerals.
Specialists say that malnutrition can be divided in two forms. The first is under nutrition, which occurs when there is a lack of nutrients. It is normally due to an inadequate diet, incorrect use of nutrients due to mal absorption of the body and irregular loss of nutrients by bleeding, diarrhea or excessive sweating. The other form of malnutrition is over nutrition, which occurs when people eat in excess or use a lot of supplements and vitamins. Some of the symptoms of malnutrition are fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, weakness, loss of muscle mass among others.
Malnutrition is normal in places like hospitals and nursery homes, because sometimes patients at these places suffer several types of abuses. If you or someone you know has suffered malnutrition because of some type of neglect or abuse, contact your attorney and ask him/her about the possibilities to be compensated for the injuries caused.