Clinical Signs in Nutritional Assessment

Angelina R. Bustos, MPS, RND

Institute of Human Nutrition and Food College of Human Ecology U.P. Los Baos

PHYSICAL SIGNS INDICATIVE OR SUGGESTIVE OF MALNUTRITION

Source:
A Colour Atlas of Nutritional Disorders by Donald S. McLaren, 1981

HAIR

Signs: Hair lacks luster, thinness and sparseness, straightness, dyspigmentation, easy pluckability Associated Disorder: Kwashiorkor, less commonly marasmus

HAIR

Sign: flag sign

Associated Disorder: Kwashiorkor, less commonly marasmus

Sign: hair dyspigmentation, scrotal edema Associated Disorder: PEM

FACE

Sign: Moon face

Associated Disorder: kwashiorkor

FACE

Sign: Naso-labial dyssebaccea

Nutrient Deficiency: Riboflavin

EYES

Sign: Bitots spot

Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin A

Sign: Conjunctival xerosis with corneal xerosis

Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin A

Sign: Corneal ulceration with xerosis

Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin A

Sign: Keratomalacia

(with prolapse of the lens)

Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin A

LIPS

Sign: Cheilosis
Nutrient Deficiency: Riboflavin

Sign: Scarlet and raw tongue

Nutrient Deficiency: Nicotinic Acid

Sign: Magenta tongue

Nutrient Deficiency: Riboflavin

Sign: Mottled enamel

Associated Disorder: fluorosis

Sign: Spongy bleeding gums

Associated Disorder or Nutrient:

Scurvy, Vitamin C deficiency

Sign: Thyroid Enlargement (grade 1)

Associated Disorder/Nutrient:

Goiter, Iodine Deficiency

Sign: Thyroid enlargement (grade 2)

Associated Disorder or Nutrient:

Goiter, Iodine Deficiency

Sign: Grade 3 goiter with

mental retardation (right)

Sign: Skin Xerosis

Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin A

Sign: Pellagrous dermatosis

Nutrient Deficiency: Nicotinic Acid

Sign: flaky paint dermatosis Associated Disorder: Kwashiorkor

Sign: Koilonychia
Nutrient Deficiency: Iron

Sign: edema

Associated Disorder: marasmic-kwashiorkor

Sign: Fat decreased, muscle wasting

Associated Disorder: Marasmus

Sign: Fat: increased

Associated Disorder or Nutrient:

Obesity