Nutritional status is the condition of the body as it relates to the consumption and utilization of food.
Poor nutritional status refers to an inadequate intake for utilization of nutrients to meet the body’s requirement for energy, maintenance and growth.
It is evidence by a listless, apathetic or irritable personality, undersized poorly develop body, abnormal body weight (to thin or fat and flabby body), muscles small and flabby, pale or sallow skin, too little or too much subcutaneous fat, dull or reddened eyes, lusterless and rough hair, poor appetite, lack of vigor and endurance for work and susceptibility to infections.
Poor nutritional status was evident in children as young as 2 to 4 years of age. Children from poor families are more likely to end up with poor nutritional status. Linear growth retardation in upper arm and lower-leg was significantly associated with poor nutritional status.
Poor nutritional status may be the result of poor foods selection, irregularity in schedule of meals, work, sleep and elimination.
Poor nutritional status
