Malnutrition in the 21st Century

Malnutrition is a general term for the medical condition caused by an improper or insufficient diet. It most often refers to under-nutrition resulting from inadequate consumption, poor absorption, or excessive loss of nutrients, but the term can also encompass over-nutrition, resulting from overeating or excessive intake of specific nutrients. An individual will experience malnutrition if the appropriate amount of, or quality of nutrients comprising a healthy diet are not consumed for an extended period of time. An extended period of malnutrition can result in starvation or many other diseases such as scurvy. Malnutrition as the lack of sufficient nutrients to maintain healthy bodily functions is typically associated with extreme poverty in economically developing countries. It is a common cause of reduced intelligence in parts of the world affected by famine. This book presents leading research from around the world.