Malnutrition and undernourishment

Malnutrition is a pathological condition caused by an excess or deficiency of one or more nutrients; this may include a deficiency in vitamins, proteins, minerals, or trace elements. Vitamin deficiencies include B1, B2, B3, B9, B12, A, D, E, K, and C. Iodine, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium may also be deficient. Malnutrition due to excessive intake of certain foods is a disease of rich countries, with overconsumption of saturated fats, fast sugars, and salt, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Undernourishment affects areas of the world ravaged by war, epidemics, or drought; it corresponds to "visible hunger," which has been declining over the past 20 years. It should not obscure "invisible hunger" with its accompanying deficiencies in minerals (iodine and iron) and vitamins (A and B12); Children and women are particularly affected. Mortality from undernutrition is on the rise, while cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Western countries and appears to be declining, although it is on the rise in developing countries.