Malnutrition is an unhealthy physical condition resulting either from a faulty or inadequate diet (i. a diet that does not supply normal quantities of all nutrients) or by the body's inability to absorb or metabolize nutrients. .
Primary malnutrition results when the body gets too much food, not enough food, or the wrong kinds of food. When certain foods containing one or more of the essential vitamins or minerals are not included in the diet, it commonly leads to micronutrient-deficiency diseases. Poor eating habits and food preferences may lead to malnutrition through the habitual consumption of certain foods to the exclusion of others or of large quantities of non-nutritious foods. .
Secondary malnutrition occurs when, because of acquired or inherited metabolic defects, notably those involving the digestive tract, liver, kidney, and red blood cells. These defects cause malnutrition by preventing the proper digestion, absorption, and metabolism of foodstuffs by organs and tissues, the body is then unable to use nutrients even though they are present in the food. .
Obesity and starvation are extreme forms of malnutrition. Obesity occurs when people eat much more food than they need. Under-nutrition or starvation occurs when a person does not get enough food or does not consume enough of a particular nutrient or nutrients. Symptoms of under-nutrition and starvation include cramps, diarrhea, weakness, and weight loss. .
To alleviate malnutrition and eliminate famine, a country has to ensure that it has the ability to feed its population. National attention should be given to : .
1. Increased Food Production .
2. Diversifying Diets .
3. Efficient Food Distribution .
Increased Food Production .
Where land and water become scarce, increases in yields will be achieved mostly through an increase in productivity sustained by the development of human capacities. Policies and programmes for increasing agricultural production and raising productivity in low-income countries, which are a precondition for future security of adequate nutrition - a precondition in which effective national and international agricultural research systems play a key role of sustainable nutritional improvement.