Denutrition is malnutrition caused by insufficient intake of energy and essential nutrients needed for body maintenance.
Denutrition, or protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), is a state of deficient nutrient intake relative to physiological needs, resulting in inadequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It manifests as weight loss, reduced muscle and fat mass, and impaired immune and metabolic function.
Denutrition occurs when nutrient intake falls below the body's requirements due to inadequate food availability, poor diet quality, malabsorption, or inability to consume sufficient food. Unlike cachexia, which involves metabolic dysfunction, denutrition is primarily a quantitative problem of insufficient nutrient delivery. It affects both adults and children but presents differently: in children it can impair growth and development, while in adults it causes weight loss and functional decline. The severity ranges from mild undernourishment to severe protein-energy malnutrition with edema and organ dysfunction. Progressive denutrition compromises immune function, wound healing, muscle strength, and cognitive performance.
Denutrition impairs the body's ability to maintain tissue, produce energy, support immune defense, and maintain metabolic homeostasis.
Assess total daily energy and protein requirements based on age, sex, activity level, and health status. Provide nutrient-dense foods and consider supplementation with vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, iron, and zinc. Monitor weight, muscle mass, and biochemical markers regularly while addressing underlying causes of inadequate intake.
Denutrition requires comprehensive nutritional rehabilitation addressing both caloric intake and micronutrient needs to restore body composition and function.
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