Malnutrition is a physical condition resulting either from a faulty or inadequate diet or from a physical inability to absorb or metabolize nutrients. When the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function, a person can also develop this condition. Causes of malnutrition include inappropriate dietary choices, a low income, difficulty obtaining food, and various physical and mental health conditions. ​In the United States, more children suffer from malnutrition due to dietary imbalances than due to nutritional deficiencies. Malnourished children may be short for their age, thin or bloated, listless, and have weakened immune systems. There are two types of malnutrition: undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition is when a person is not getting enough vitamins and minerals, whereas overnutrition is when a person is overconsuming certain nutrients.

Nutritional disorders can affect any system in the body and the senses of sight, taste, and smell. They may also produce anxiety, changes in mood, and other psychiatric symptoms. Some symptoms may include:

• Pale, thick, and dry skin
• Bruising easily
• Rashes
• Changes in skin pigmentation
• Thin hair that is tightly curled and pulls out easily
• Achy joints
• Bones that are soft and tender
• Gums that bleed easily
• The tongue that may be swollen or shriveled and cracked
• Night blindness
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

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