What Are The Early Signs Of Malnutrition?

General Weakness

Malnutrition is one of the biggest possible contributors to general weakness in the body. When individuals eat, their body uses energy in the form of carbohydrates and fats. The fats are used for energy right away, while any excess carbohydrates are converted into fat cells and stored for later. If individuals aren't taking in enough food, their body will begin breaking down its fat stores. It will also start breaking down their muscle and use that for energy. Individuals experience deeper weakness throughout their body and a shrinking ability to complete tasks.

Even without taking the muscle shrinkage into account, the lack of energy in the body means individuals will be too tired to complete tasks. Some may collapse when they try to stand or walk any distance, since they simply don't have enough energy to keep their brain conscious and their body moving. A lack of protein has a significant impact on muscles, since the body has nothing to feed and strengthen them with.

Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes can occur as a result of malnutrition, though the exact presentation and reason for this varies. In severe cases, malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies might lead to neurological symptoms like severe emotional instability, hallucinations, paranoia, irrational behavior, and extreme and unwarranted anger. Individuals experiencing sudden and unexplained behavioral or personality shifts should be evaluated by a doctor right away. There are other cases where behavioral changes are more gradual, though, especially in children. Malnutrition leads to a significant increase in overall stress, especially if it's also impeding performance in school or at work.

The stress and hopelessness can manifest in volatile external behaviors, particularly for children who are still developing their ability to emotionally self regulate. Researchers have found children who exhibit aggressive behavior, extreme anger, hyperactivity, and inordinate defiance toward authority have a much higher incidence of malnourishment at home. In addition to stress, researchers believe malnutrition has neurological effects on children, chiefly that their neurons are reduced and neurotransmitters are unable to function properly. This predisposes them toward recklessness, impulsivity, volatile emotions, and hyperactivity.