•The term malnutrition covers both undernutrition and
overnutrition
•
•In the UK obvious severe undernutrition is not common
outside of serious illness or
dietary problems but overnutrition – obesity, is
•
•
•Numerous nutritional surveys of the UK population reveal
that mild deficiencies of micronutrients are not uncommon, may
co-exist with overnutrition
and can adversely influence physical or mental health
•
•
•Deficiencies of three micronutrients (iron, vitamin A
and iodine) in all countries are
monitored by the WHO and are only marginally more common in the low income groups in the UK. www.int/vmnis/en
•
•
•However, deficiencies of folate, vitamins D and C are
more common and
potentially affect health in all age groups
•
•
•The causes of the these and other deficiencies include
poor food choices, illness,
smoking, alcohol excess and lack of sun exposure