Articles tagged with Malnutrition
Malnutrition affects more elderly people who are unmarried, separated or divorced. Marriage or being widowed tends to prevent malnutrition. Factors such as difficulties walking, coping with stairs, and hospital stays also contribute to the risk.
Researchers identified a unique microbial signature in the guts of malnourished children, characterized by widespread presence of bacteria normally found in noses and mouths. The study, part of the Afribiota project, aims to improve treatment and diagnosis of chronic malnutrition.
A new study from the University of Warwick blames macro-level factors for the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents in developing countries. The study found that factors including war, lack of democracy, food insecurity, urbanisation and economic growth are to blame.
A recent study found that malnutrition and anemia prevalence among Rohingya children in a Bangladeshi refugee camp is alarming, exceeding emergency thresholds of 15% and 40%, respectively. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted nutrition support to address this critical public health issue.
Researchers found that only 5% of hospitalized adult patients had medical diagnoses of malnutrition, highlighting the need for improved recognition and diagnosis. Pediatric malnutrition is also underdiagnosed, with a prevalence increasing from 1.9% to 3.7% between 2002 and 2011.
A team of scientists explored links between climate effects and two health outcome indicators: malnutrition and low birth weights. Their models indicate that vulnerable areas may see more malnourished children and lower birth weights due to warming and drying, but positive development trends can mitigate these effects.
A large study in Burkina Faso treated over 1600 children with acute malnutrition using a lipid-based nutrient supplement, resulting in significant weight gain from healthy lean tissue. The findings can be used to prevent and treat moderate acute malnutrition, potentially saving thousands of lives.
A new study has found a significant link between malnutrition and tuberculosis (TB) in southern India. The research, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that more than 61% of TB cases in women are attributable to malnutrition, while up to 75% of male TB cases could be eliminated if alcohol use was reduced.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that deficits in the sense of smell are common among patients with serious kidney disease and correlate with poor nutrition. A proof-of-concept trial of a potential treatment for these olfactory deficits showed promising results.
Research reveals that co-infection with two common gut pathogens, Giardia lamblia and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, increases weight loss and impairs metabolism in mice. The study provides new insights into the impact of gut microbe interactions on malnutrition in children.
A new study suggests that severe acute malnutrition in early childhood may prioritize lung development over other less vital growth, resulting in shorter leg lengths and a higher risk of being severely short for their age. The findings have significant implications for the long-term health of children affected by malnutrition.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that poor oral health and food scarcity are major contributors to malnutrition in older adults. The research suggests that linking patients in need to existing food assistance programs, such as Meals on Wheels, can help address this issue.
Scientists propose three main areas to fight malnutrition: Basic Nutrition focusing on nutrient science, Applied Nutrition on population health and wellbeing, and Clinical Nutrition on diagnosis and treatment. The goal is a better integration of knowledge in healthcare professionals' daily practice.
A new study found that optimizing hospital nutrition care can significantly reduce 30-day readmission rates and length of stay for malnourished patients. Implementing a validated nutrition screening tool and providing early treatment and education can lead to substantial improvements in patient outcomes.
Patients with chronic lung disease living in deprived areas are more likely to be malnourished than those from wealthier postcodes. A QUT study assessing 424 outpatients found 22% were at risk of malnutrition, with those from more deprived areas significantly more likely to be at risk.
A SickKids-led project explores the effects of severe malnutrition on children's livers, finding that dysfunctional mitochondria and peroxisomes contribute to impaired nutrient utilization. The study identifies a key gene, PEX2, involved in peroxisome loss during starvation.
New evidence suggests that even with a healthy diet, defects in immune system function from birth can contribute to malnourished states throughout life. Researchers propose targeting immune pathways as a potential approach to reducing poor health and mortality caused by under- and overnutrition.
A review by Queen Mary University of London suggests that malnutrition can cause immune system dysfunction, making children more susceptible to common infections. This altered immune system may be passed down through generations, contributing to a range of physiological problems.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that nearly three-quarters of poor children in a Bangladeshi slum were infected with Cryptosporidium, leading to stunted growth and malnutrition. The parasite can cause permanent damage to the intestines' ability to absorb nutrients, even if symptoms are not present.
Leading nutrition experts discuss the complexities of modern malnutrition, affecting vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and sick individuals. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explores various facets of malnutrition, including evidence-based practices, hospital malnutrition, and policy recommendations.
Research suggests excessive bacterial growth in small intestine may be causing malnutrition and stunting in children living in low-income countries. A study of 103 2-year-old children in Bangladesh found that one in six showed signs of small intestine bacterial overgrowth, which was associated with gut inflammation and stunted growth.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that African children with stunted growth had lower levels of essential amino acids and other protein markers compared to non-stunted children. This challenges the widespread assumption that children in developing countries are receiving adequate protein, highlighting the need for improved diets.
Children under age 5 with stunted growth are found to have low levels of essential amino acids and nutrient choline, which can prevent cognitive development, increase susceptibility to illness, and shorten life spans. Researchers hope to develop new approaches to treat this debilitating condition by targeting dietary intake.
A study showed that transferring healthy gut microbial species from children to mice can counter the negative effects of malnutrition, suggesting a possible therapeutic approach. Certain microbe species offset malnutrition's detrimental effects, enabling normal growth in undernourished children.
Researchers found a 33% reduction in malnutrition incidence when children were given ready-to-use therapeutic food, compared to control groups. Supplementation with micronutrients showed no significant benefit.
New research finds that gut damage from infection is the primary cause of malnutrition and vaccine failure in infants. The study suggests that prevention measures such as improved sanitation, targeted vaccination, or treatment of infections can help combat malnutrition.
Scientists have developed an app to monitor food security using a smartphone, combining weather and soil moisture data from satellites with crowd-sourced data on population vulnerability. The tool has shown promising results in the Central African Republic, providing valuable information for organizations like Doctors without Borders.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that many obese people are malnourished before weight loss surgery. The research highlights the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies to reduce surgical complications and improve overall health after the procedure.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has redefined pediatric malnutrition to include five domains: anthropometrics, growth, chronicity, etiology, and impact on functional status. This revised definition aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition in pediatric patients.
Researchers developed an animal model that replicates the imbalance of gut bacteria associated with malnutrition, a disease responsible for one-fifth of child deaths worldwide. The model will enable testing of treatments and understanding how malnutrition impacts cognitive development and growth.
A new review published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice found that accurate malnutrition diagnosis and coding can increase hospital payments. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommends a valid program to identify, document, intervene, and code malnutrition to enhance financial stability and clinical resources.
Researchers found that stunting affects children under three, with disparities by province and age. They recommend a multi-sectoral approach to address stunting and improve maternal nutrition.
Research by Adam C. Levine found that arm circumference is a more accurate predictor of under-nutrition in children with diarrhea than traditional weight-based measures. This method is particularly useful in resource-limited settings where dehydration does not significantly affect the child's weight, but can impact their overall health.
A new study found that supplementary feeding for 12 weeks makes an impact, but treating children until they reach target weights and arm circumference is more important. Raising these targets could significantly lower the rate of relapse.
A new study finds that pollinator declines could lead to severe nutritional deficiencies in some populations, particularly vitamin A deficiencies. The research examines the connection between crop-pollinating animals and human nutritional health, revealing alarming effects in certain countries.
Research from Ghent University demonstrates a high willingness of consumers to pay premiums for GMOs with health benefits, ranging from 20% to 70%. The study highlights the potential market share of these nutritionally improved crops in regions such as China and Brazil, where nutrient deficiencies are prevalent.
A new study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that households with obese mothers and stunted children often rely on high-energy, low-nutrient foods like chocolate and biscuits. In contrast, diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower rates of double-burden households.
A recent study found that malnutrition imposes a significant economic burden of $157 billion per year in the US. The majority of this cost comes from cases of depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease, and dementia.
Canada has awarded $1.2 million in grants to 11 new global health innovations in La Francophonie member states, aiming to address pressing health challenges such as malaria, malnutrition and sanitation. The projects focus on improving maternal, newborn and child health, with a particular emphasis on low- and middle-income countries.
A prospective intervention study in Niger found that combining supplementary food with a cash transfer reduced rates of child malnutrition. The study compared the effectiveness of seven preventative strategies and found that the combination of food supplements plus cash was most effective in preventing acute malnutrition.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults with malnutrition had never been diagnosed, highlighting the importance of screening in emergency departments. Factors contributing to malnutrition include depression, difficulty buying groceries, and denture problems.
A new study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that over half of older emergency department patients were either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Most of these patients had not previously been diagnosed as malnourished, highlighting the need for better nutrition assessments and support services.
A new study finds that hospitals are complying with nutrition screening mandates, but need to improve follow-up assessments and diagnosis of malnutrition. The lack of clinician participation and inadequate training in caregivers hinder the effective treatment of malnutrition in patients.
Malnutrition is a significant problem in older adults due to chronic health conditions affecting dietary intake. A comprehensive geriatric analysis (CGA) includes nutrition screenings to address potential problems, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions involving healthcare providers.
Severe childhood malnutrition may increase risk for high blood pressure in adulthood. Adults who endured malnutrition growing up had higher diastolic blood pressure and peripheral resistance.
A survey of Canadian physicians reveals a significant gap between optimal practices for detecting and treating malnutrition in hospitalized patients. The study found that actual assessments completed were much lower than reported, with only 33% of patients being weighed upon admission.
Researchers predict global malnutrition will decline significantly if agricultural productivity grows, despite income growth. Improved food security will lift many people out of hunger-stricken regions through increased caloric consumption and higher protein diets.
Daily nutritional supplementation improves HIV patient condition with significant weight gain from muscle mass and improved grip strength. The study highlights the importance of nutrition in conjunction with HIV treatment to prevent malnutrition-related deaths.
Research reveals that maternal malnutrition can lead to growth restriction, obesity, and diabetes in offspring, with a domino effect on the health of grandoffspring. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, may contribute to this transmission of disease risk.
A landmark report identifies critical knowledge gaps in nutrition science, calling for research on environmental trends, lifecycle issues, and intervention gaps. The report aims to accelerate global commitment to solving malnutrition through evidence-based solutions.
A new Lancet series highlights the critical role of nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life in shaping childhood health and future economic prospects. The series estimates that 800,000 neonatal deaths are caused by fetal growth restriction, underscoring the importance of maternal nutrition.
The Lancet Series highlights the importance of nutrition for breaking global poverty and improving development outcomes. Investments in the first 1000 days of life can prevent undernutrition, overweight, and poor child development outcomes with long-lasting effects on human capital formation.
Scaling up these interventions would save 900,000 children's lives per year and reduce stunting prevalence by 20% worldwide. The interventions include supplements and treatment strategies for malnutrition.
The Lancet review finds that existing programs in agriculture, social safety nets, early child development, and schooling have limited evidence of nutritional benefits. Investing in nutrition-sensitive programs can help prevent excess stunting, wasting, and impaired child development.
The global prevalence of stunting has slowly decreased, but rates are not falling quickly enough to meet global targets. Malnutrition affects at least 165 million children worldwide, with stunting, wasting, and underweight affecting over 90% in Asia or Africa.
Key findings highlight the need for prioritized investment in nutrition-specific interventions and maximizing nutrition-sensitivity in national development processes. Effective coordination among sectors requires political calculations and engagement from various organizations.
Research suggests that targeting four specific pathogens, including rotavirus and ETEC, could reduce diarrheal deaths in children by up to 40%. The study found that malnutrition is a major risk factor for severe diarrhea, highlighting the need for preventive strategies.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital have developed a shorter version of the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool to screen cancer patients for malnutrition. The abPG-SGA tool was found to be effective in identifying malnourished patients and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found a 44% drop in mortality with cefdinir and a 36% drop with amoxicillin when antibiotics were added to therapeutic food treatment. This study has changed how children are treated worldwide, providing a lifesaving impact on hundreds of thousands of children annually.
A study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found a strong association between sudden cardiac death and a thin placenta at birth, suggesting impaired fetal development of the autonomic nervous system as a contributing factor. The study also found an independent association with poor educational attainment.