

See also acrodermatitis enteropathica-like conditionsĭue to starvation-related bone marrow depression and subsequent reduction in circulating platelets. In rare cases, chilblains can develop.ĭue to zinc deficiency. Purple, cold hands and feet associated with circulatory system abnormalities. May be caused by xerosis, iron deficiency, or other consequences of malnutrition. The small bumps on the surface of the tongue ( papillae) may become flattened, causing the tongue to appear smooth.įissures at the corners of the mouth due to riboflavin and other vitamin deficiencies. Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails) may develop due to iron deficiency.ĭue to severe vitamin B and/or iron deficiency. Nails can become thin and soft and may have fissures (cracks) or ridges. It may also follow a variety of vitamin deficiencies.

Increased shedding of hair on the scalp which can occur following any significant physical or psychological stress. Dermatological featureĭue to deficiencies of vitamins and trace elements and possibly disordered thyroid function. Inadequate food supply can also be a problem in low-income areas of developed countries.Īlthough malnutrition affects almost every organ in the body, this page focuses on the dermatological features.Complex social and medical problems – for example, elderly people can become malnourished due to a combination of reduced appetite, impaired mental functioning, medications, coexisting illnesses, psychosocial isolation, heavy alcohol intake, and/or depression.Crohn disease), gastrointestinal infections, cystic fibrosis, extensive thermal burns, or cancer. Reduced absorption or abnormal metabolism of nutrients and energy due to illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease (e.g.In developed countries, other causes of malnutrition are more prominent: Protein-energy malnutrition occurs mainly in young children from developing countries at the time of weaning. Preschool-aged children in developing countries are most at risk because of their increased protein and energy requirements, greater susceptibility to infection, and exposure to unhygienic conditions. Gastrointestinal infections, particularly parasitic infections, exacerbate this problem. Worldwide, the most common cause of malnutrition is an inadequate food supply. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.Malnutrition occurs when the supply of nutrients and energy is inadequate to meet the body's requirements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very carefully. Department of Agriculture's "Dietary Reference Intake" (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances" or RDA) listings for more information.Ĭhromium picolinate may be only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. You may also consult the National Academy of Sciences "Dietary Reference Intake" or the U.S. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. The recommended dietary allowance of chromium picolinate increases with age. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.Ĭheck your blood sugar carefully if you are diabetic. If you choose to use chromium picolinate, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.Ĭhromium picolinate may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. The body needs only trace amounts of chromium, and deficiency of this mineral in humans is rare.Ĭhromium picolinate works together with insulin produced by the pancreas to metabolize carbohydrates.Ĭhromium picolinate has been used in alternative medicine to treat chromium deficiency, as an aid to controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes or prediabetes, to lower cholesterol, and as a weight-loss supplement.Ĭhromium picolinate should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.Ĭhromium picolinate is often sold as an herbal supplement. Chromium is a mineral found in certain foods.
