This article describes features of malnutrition that are commonly seen and provides updated guidance on the identification of malnutrition in all its forms. It also considers best-practice approaches to prevention and treatment of malnutrition.

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.1 Malnutrition can be viewed as a series of interrelated nutritional deficiencies that can vary in cause and management complexity. Isolated vitamin or mineral deficiencies may occur due to specific food intake imbalances, increased requirements or a combination of both factors.