Malnutrition or
malnourishment is a condition that results from eating a
diet in which
nutrients are either not enough or are too much such that the diet causes health problems. It may involve
calories,
protein,
carbohydrates,
vitamins or
minerals. Not enough nutrients is called
undernutrition or
undernourishment while too much is called
overnutrition. Malnutrition is often used specifically to refer to undernutrition where there is not enough calories, protein, or
micronutrients. If undernutrition occurs during
pregnancy, or before two years of age, it may result in permanent problems with physical and mental development. Extreme undernourishment, known as
starvation, may have symptoms that include: a short height, thin body, very poor energy levels, and swollen legs and
abdomen. People also often get infections and are frequently
cold. The symptoms of
micronutrient deficiencies depend on the micronutrient that is lacking.