SUBNUTRITION Meaning and
Definition
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Subnutrition, also known as malnutrition or undernutrition, refers to the condition where individuals consume an insufficient or imbalanced diet that does not meet their nutritional needs. This can lead to an inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for the proper functioning of the human body.
Subnutrition can occur due to various factors, such as poverty, insufficient food access, limited availability of diverse foods, inadequate knowledge about nutrition, or certain medical conditions. The consequences of subnutrition can be severe and may affect physical and cognitive development, overall health, and immune system function. It can lead to stunted growth, weight loss, muscle wasting, delayed healing, weakened immune response, and increased vulnerability to diseases.
Subnutrition is often categorized into different forms, including protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies (such as vitamin A, D, or B12 deficiency), mineral deficiencies (like iron, iodine, or zinc deficiency), and trace element deficiencies. Each type has its specific impact on health and may manifest with different symptoms and complications.
Addressing subnutrition requires a multi-faceted approach, including improving access to nutritious foods, promoting healthy dietary practices, enhancing agricultural systems, providing education on nutrition and food safety, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation. Additionally, therapeutic interventions such as nutritional supplements and medical treatments may be necessary to treat specific nutrient deficiencies in severe cases of subnutrition.
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A mild degree of innutrition.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SUBNUTRITION
- aubnutrition
- zubnutrition
- xubnutrition
- dubnutrition
- eubnutrition
- wubnutrition
- sybnutrition
- shbnutrition
- sjbnutrition
- sibnutrition
- s8bnutrition
- s7bnutrition
- suvnutrition
- sunnutrition
- suhnutrition
- sugnutrition
- subbutrition
- submutrition
- subjutrition
- subhutrition
Etymology of SUBNUTRITION
The word "subnutrition" is formed from the prefix "sub-" and the word "nutrition". Here is the breakdown of each component:
1. Prefix "sub-": In English, "sub-" is a prefix derived from Latin and means "under" or "below". It is typically used to indicate a lesser or lower degree of something.
2. "Nutrition": This term comes from the Latin word "nutrire", which means "to nourish". "Nutrition" refers to the process of providing the body with the necessary food and nourishment for growth, health, and development.
Therefore, "subnutrition" combines these two components to signify a state of inadequate or insufficient nutrition, where an individual is not getting the required nourishment for their well-being.
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