What is malnutrition?

Health

	Tweet	Pin It

0

by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author

Malnutrition is what happens when someone doesn’t get all of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to be healthy. Our bodies rely on the nutrients in our food to give us energy and keep us well. People who are malnourished get sick more easily and can have a harder time getting better, too. Being malnourished can also stunt a person’s growth and development. Malnourished people might not have the strength to work, play, learn, or lead a very productive life.

Being malnourished is often the result of ongoing hunger, for people who live in places where there isn’t enough food to eat. However, there are also people who have some food or enough food but still experience malnourishment. This happens when the foods someone eats don’t have the right kinds of nutrients. Sometimes this is the result of people not knowing what foods they should eat and what foods they should avoid to stay healthy, while other times it happens because someone can’t afford or doesn’t have access to the healthy, nutrient-rich foods they need.

To keep yourself healthy, remember to eat a big variety of foods including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. You can also get involved in many different ways to help people who are malnourished, like by volunteering with an organization who educates about nutrition, or donating healthy, nourishing foods to organizations who help the hungry!

What are some of the things you’ve learned about nutrients and how they help our bodies?

For example, Vitamin C helps to keep your immune system strong. The immune system is what fights germs! Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons have lots of Vitamin C.

What other nutrients does our body need, and what do they help us to do? Ask a grown-up to help you do some research and find out!!