What does malnutrition refer to?

Malnutrition refers to the condition that arises from a diet lacking in essential nutrients or an imbalance in the consumption of nutrients. It encompasses both undernutrition, which results from insufficient intake of calories or nutrients, and overnutrition, which can arise from excessive caloric intake leading to obesity. In this context, saying that malnutrition is the lack of proper nutrition accurately captures the deficiency in essential nutrients that can lead to health issues, impaired immune function, and various other complications.

Other choices do not align with the definition of malnutrition. Excessive food intake suggests overnutrition rather than a lack of nutrition. Proper food intake with an improved diet indicates a state of adequate nutrition, which does not represent malnutrition. Lastly, the body’s ability to absorb food efficiently pertains to digestive health rather than directly to the availability or adequacy of nutritional intake. Thus, the concept of malnutrition is best defined by the lack of proper nutrition, making it clear why the chosen answer is correct.