Explain the cycle of malnutrition

when a person is malnourished, he/she lacks vital dietary components (protein, vitamins, minerals etc.) that repair tissue damage and create new cells. The part of the body with the most cell damage and turnover are the intestines.

now with a shortage of those dietary requirements, cell turnover and tissue repair of the gut is reduced. in other Words, the cellular lining of the gut remains damaged.

since the job of the intestine is to absorb nutrients, a damaged gut cannot absorb nutrients well, therefore worsening malnutrition.

another thing that happens is that the epithelial cells of the intestine that are in charge of secreting a protective mucus coating are either damaged or not enough in number, therefore making the person more prone for infections like salmonella, shigella, etc. which further destroy gut mucus.

it's funny, i was actually just reading about that a few hours ago. i hope that answers your question because i can't think of any other cycles of malnutrition.

studies have shown that the best initial food for a protein energy malnutrition is milk even though it may cause diarrhea initially.

Source(s):it was a book containing the product of a group of studies for pediatrics and gastroenterolgy though i can't honestly remember the name.