Understanding Malnutrition: 6 Symptoms and Next Steps

If you or your loved one has just been diagnosed as malnourished, you may be feeling scared about what exactly that means and what to do next. In this article, we’re going to discuss what malnutrition is, what several of the causes are, and the next steps you can take on your nutrition journey.

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition can happen to anyone, at any stage in life. It can happen if you regularly can't eat enough of what your body needs, and it can also happen if you don't or can't eat the right balance of nutrients.

For some, you or your loved one may be regularly given the right nutrients in the food or supplements you consume, but your body has a difficult time absorbing them and using them. If you’re unable to absorb your food, it can make any other health-related conditions or diseases worse and make it harder for the body to heal.

Alternatively, malnutrition also encompasses overnutrition, which occurs when more calories are consumed compared to what calories have been used. We will discuss undernutrition as malnutrition that develops when your body lacks the essential nutrients needed to support overall health.

Malnutrition, specifically undernutrition, could mean a handful of things. For example, it could mean that you’re not consuming enough calories from macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and fat.) It could mean you’re not consuming adequate amounts of one or more of the essential vitamins and minerals. It could also mean that you’re not able to tolerate the foods that you are consuming. Your body needs a variety of nutrients in certain amounts to maintain health and to support its many key physiological functions.

Malnutrition can affect individuals regardless of their age and weight — some who are malnourished may be overweight and some may be underweight.

You’re not alone.

Here are some facts to get us grounded. Nearly 44 million people in the United States suffered from malnutrition or food insecurity in 2022. And an estimated 1 in 3 hospitalized patients is at risk for developing malnutrition during their stay. As people get older, changes in their bodies, lifestyles, and income can make it harder for them to eat well, leading to higher rates of malnutrition.

While this information can feel overwhelming, know that you’re not alone and that there are healthcare professionals who can support you as you navigate next steps. 

Some causes of malnutrition. There are many factors that can cause malnutrition, but here are some common causes, keeping in mind that becoming malnourished can take several weeks or longer: 

• On a regular basis, not being able to eat the right kind of foods — such as foods that contain the key nutrients in the amounts needed to meet your body’s daily needs. 

• Example: Not eating or taking in enough protein, or eating/drinking a lot of sugar from soda, juice, and candy. 

• Not eating enough food or taking in enough calories (energy) on a daily basis that your body needs. 

• Example that is more impactful during childhood: without consuming or absorbing enough calories and protein, children can have a hard time growing taller and growing enough muscle.  

• Being unable to tolerate food, sometimes due to issues with gastrointestinal health or other health issues. 

• A health condition that makes it harder for your body to use (digest and absorb) food and nutrients. 

• An increased use and need of calories during or after major treatments or surgeries. 

• Example: After a major surgery or during some cancer treatments, your body may need more calories and protein than you are able to take in. 

 The path forward. As always, we urge you to connect with a healthcare professional if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with malnutrition, or if you suspect you may be malnourished. Below, we’ve listed suggestions that may support your nutrition and can be discussed with your healthcare provider.  

• Consume calorie-dense nutrition: What does this mean? Foods and drinks that provide a lot of calories in a smaller bite or serving amount are considered to be “calorie-dense.”  Some examples are high-fat foods like heavy cream, butter, cheeses, olive oil, nut butters, or full-fat yogurts/ice creams. If you or your loved one can’t seem to consume enough calories, you may need to consider talking to your healthcare provider about adding a plant-based nutrition drink that is also calorie-dense to your daily calorie goals.   

• Find ways to eat a variety of nutrients: Macronutrients and micronutrients both support our health in many ways. Macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, and fats) give us the calories or energy to do daily activities. Micronutrients (like vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients) serve various functions in supporting overall health. They support our immune system, our brain health, digestive health, and bone and muscle strength. Getting enough of both macronutrients and micronutrients to meet daily requirements is essential for the body to do its job. 

• Try to schedule regular meal times, even if you or your loved ones are drinking their nutrition or using a feeding tube, having a routine may make it easier to meet your nutrition goals. 

• For children, provide 1 food/drink they love with 1-2 others at meal time to encourage them to eat a variety while aiming to meet their nutrition goal. 

• No matter your age, or the age of your loved one, remember to try to find ways for mealtime to be lighthearted and as stress free as possible.  

 We’re here to help. 

If you’re feeling uneasy about the information you just read, we want to empower you to make an appointment with a healthcare professional. Know that the right medical team will help you find the right path forward. 

Kate Farms believes that nutrition is the foundation of health, and we’re here to support those who need sole-source or supplemental liquid nutrition for their health journey. Our customer care and patient advocacy teams are available to help you navigate discussions with your healthcare professionals, finding a Kate Farms product that might work for you, and understanding how insurance coverage may work for you.  

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