Malnutrition associated diseases/disorders

There is an increased risk of malnutrition associated with chronic diseases, especially disease of the intestinal tract, kidneys, and liver. Patients with chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, and intestinal disorders may lose weight rapidly and become susceptible to undernourishment because they cannot absorb valuable vitamins, calories, and iron. 

Criteria for the diagnosis of specific nutritional disorders are given in this book under the separate entries for each disease. Physical signs often associated with malnutrition are shown in Table M-1. 

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