Question:medium

Define the term malnutrition. Discuss the interaction between malnutrition and infection with the help of a flow chart.

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Proper nutrition helps break the vicious cycle between infection and malnutrition.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Malnutrition arises from dietary imbalances, where essential nutrients are deficient, excessive, or disproportionate. This encompasses undernutrition (characterized by wasting, stunting, and underweight) and overnutrition (including obesity and micronutrient overload). Malnutrition and infection share a reciprocal relationship. Malnutrition compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Conversely, infections exacerbate malnutrition by reducing appetite, elevating nutrient demands, and leading to nutrient depletion.

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