Deficiency, excess, or imbalance of nutrients. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Malnutrition
Deficiency, excess, or imbalance of nutrients
Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and nutrients.
It can be undernutrition (not enough nutrients) or overnutrition (too many nutrients).
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may review diet, weight change, appetite, bowel symptoms, medicines, supplements and possible deficiencies. Selected blood tests and a dietetic assessment may be appropriate.
Care may include dietary changes, treatment of a deficiency or underlying cause, supplement guidance, feeding support or specialist referral. Ask for measurable goals and review intervals.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for severe dehydration, inability to swallow, persistent vomiting, significant unintentional weight loss with concerning symptoms, fainting, confusion or severe weakness.
Symptoms
- Weight loss or gain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Poor wound healing
- Frequent infections
Possible causes
- Inadequate food intake
- Poor diet quality
- Digestive disorders
- Chronic diseases
- Poverty
Care and treatment options
- Nutritional rehabilitation
- Dietary modification
- Supplements
- Treating underlying conditions
- Nutritional education
Key points
- Affects 2 billion people worldwide
- Major public health issue
- Preventable and treatable
- Affects all age groups
Preparing for a consultation
- Recent weight change and a short food record.
- Supplements, medicines and restrictive diets.
- Bowel, swallowing, appetite or fatigue symptoms.
- Pregnancy, illness or other factors affecting nutrition.
Questions worth asking
- Is Malnutrition the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Malnutrition?
Deficiency, excess, or imbalance of nutrients This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Malnutrition?
A clinician may review diet, weight change, appetite, bowel symptoms, medicines, supplements and possible deficiencies. Selected blood tests and a dietetic assessment may be appropriate.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Nutritional rehabilitation, Dietary modification, Supplements, Treating underlying conditions. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Malnutrition be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for severe dehydration, inability to swallow, persistent vomiting, significant unintentional weight loss with concerning symptoms, fainting, confusion or severe weakness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Recent weight change and a short food record. Supplements, medicines and restrictive diets. Bowel, swallowing, appetite or fatigue symptoms. Pregnancy, illness or other factors affecting nutrition. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Malnutrition can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.