Malnutrition is defined not by hunger, but by deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances of energy and nutrients that can lead to long-term health consequences
Many don’t consider malnutrition to be an in issue in the U.S., however according to Feeding America approximately 34 million people are food insecure, which can lead to malnutrition. This includes millions of people who do not have consistent access to enough nutritious food.
Malnutrition in the U.S. is found across socioeconomic classes, and is defined not by hunger, but by deficiencies, excesses or imbalances of energy and nutrients that can lead to long-term health consequences including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
“Part of the reason that malnutrition occurs in the U.S. among people of all socioeconomic classes is related to readily available, cheap and tasty foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients,” said Tiana Barker, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Intermountain Health. “Additionally, 1 in 8 households in the U.S. experience either food insecurity or inadequate access to more nutritious foods.”
Barker said there are things individuals can do to help themselves and others combat malnutrition at homes and their communities:
- Be aware of common deficiencies in vitamins and minerals– or micronutrients – that are essential for the body to function properly:
- Iron found in lean meat and seafood, as well as nuts, beans, vegetables, and fortified grain products
- Calcium found in foods including milk, cheese, yogurt, kale, broccoli, and canned sardines and salmon with soft bones that you eat
- Vitamin DÂ found in some fish and from sun exposure, which is difficult in winter months and high altitudes
- Vitamin B12Â commonly found in animal foods
- Vitamin AÂ found in fruits and vegetables, especially those that are yellow, orange, or red
- Magnesium from nuts, seeds, and legumes.
- Balance diet with foods rich in the above micronutrients. Most people can add balance to their diets with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy or calcium-fortified dairy alternatives, and balance animal- and plant-based protein sources.
- People who lack access to more nutrient-dense foods are urged to seek support from federal programs such as SNAP or WIC, or from local food pantries.
- When donating food, consider giving those that are rich in nutrients, such as:
- Fresh or frozen fruit or fruit canned in water or juice
- Low-fat powdered milk
- Canned low sodium vegetables
- Whole grains like oatmeal, whole grain pasta, popcorn, and brown rice
- Lean proteins like dried or canned low-sodium beans and lentils, nut butters, and simple canned meats such as chicken or fish without added sauces or seasonings.
September 16-20 is National Malnutrition Awareness Week for 2024. For more information or to learn what you can do to address this issue, visit intermountainhealth.org or the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.