Signs of malnutrition can vary based on the patient’s age, condition, and the specific nutrients that are lacking. Some of the more common signs include edema, hair loss, defects in the teeth or nails, dry skin, chilliness, night blindness, easy bruising, frequent or unusually severe infections, anemia, fatigue, and muscle cramps. When treating malnutrition, it is important to determine if the cause is a primary deficiency of the diet, or secondary to a disorder of digestion and assimilation. There are many potential causes of malnutrition beyond a poor or improper diet – atrophic gastritis, autoimmune colitis, celiac disease, hypochlorhydria, pancreatic insufficiency, menorrhagia, gastric bypass surgery, eating disorders, alcoholism, parasite infestation, frequent pregnancies, repeated or prolonged bouts of illness, and various genetic disorders of metabolism. Battling infectious disease, including common childhood infections, can put a tremendous strain on nutrient reserves and in turn depress the immune system, creating a vicious cycle. Below are some of our most popular remedies to provide support in various states of, or conditions associated with, malnutrition. You may also wish to refer to the Digestive Disorders, Colon Abnormalities, or Allergies (Food Sensitivities) section of this guide.
Homeopathics
Calc Carb- single homeopathic remedy indicated for children who are slow to reach developmental milestones due to improper nutrition or imperfect digestion.**
Gastopanpar™- glandular homeopathic to support the organs of digestion, indicated for aching of the stomach, nausea, indigestion, fullness in the abdomen, thirst, weakness, feebleness, and frequent urination.**
Glutenstat™- homeopathic detoxifier to support digestion in cases of gluten sensitivity, indicated for symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, alternating constipation and diarrhea, poor digestion, and brain fog.**
* Intestipar™- glandular homeopathic to support the intestines, indicated for weak digestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.**
Lungex II™- glandular homeopathic indicated for chronic lung and intestinal issues. Formulated for Phase 4 (Impregnation phase) of Reckeweg’s theory of Homotoxicology, where intracellular toxins are interfering with cellular functions, such as nutrient absorption.**
Metabatone™- tonifier for the metabolism, indicated for relief of tiredness, weakness, general fatigue, exhaustion, and weakness of memory.**
* Recovatone™- homeopathic tonifier indicated for symptoms associated with exertion or electrolyte loss, such as muscle pain, muscle weakness, trembling of limbs, and cramps.**
Regen HP™- high-potency formula indicated for sore throat, extreme fatigue, glandular swelling, and mucus discharge.**
Trace Mineral Cord- homeopathic cord indicated for symptoms due to mineral imbalances, such as fatigue, dehydration, nervousness, and cramping pains.**
Herbals
Ashwagandha- single spagyric herbal with adaptogen properties, has been shown to increase growth and weight gain in poorly-developing children[i].
* Digesticom™- fortifier for the digestive system, indicated to support healthy digestion and assimilation.
* Digestive Formula- Rainforest Botanical digestive formula that relieves occasional stomach upset and bloating, supports digestion and nutrient absorption, and supports healthy ileocecal valve function.
Environmental Formula- Rainforest Botanical environmental detox formula that supports liver health and the elimination of environmental toxins.
Fennelcom™- fortifier for the stomach and small intestines, indicated to support healthy digestion..
Gingercom™- fortifier for the pancreas, liver, and adrenals, supports healthy appetite regulation
Hydrangeacom™- fortifier for the biliary tract and gallbladder, indicated for gallbladder and intestinal support.
Kelpcom™- fortifier for the thyroid gland and natural source of iodine.
Licrocom™- blend of nutritive tonic herbs and fortifier for the adrenal glands.
* Nettlecom™- fortifier for the blood and natural source of iron, indicated for alterative and nutritive support.
Vermicom™- (Formerly called Paracom) fortifier for the colon, indicated for immune system support.
Nutritionals
Below are some of our most popular nutritional formulas. For addressing specific nutrient deficiencies, please refer to the Dietary Supplements section of our catalog for specific supplements available:
Digestizyme Plus- supplemental digestive enzymes to enhance breakdown and assimilation of food. Indicated to support proper digestion.
Enervimin™ Flora Focus- full spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement designed with additional digestive and immune system support.
Enervimin™ Joint Focus- full spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement designed with additional support for the musculoskeletal system.
Enervimin™ Stress Focus- full spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement designed for nutritional support during times of stress.
Enervite™ Plus- full spectrum, balanced vitamin and mineral supplement for general nutritional support.
* High Delivery Acidophilus- encapsulated live probiotic bacteria specially processed to deliver the greatest amount of beneficial cultures to the intestines. Supports healthy intestinal flora.
Immunique™- essential nutrients for tissue healing and immune system support.
* Mineral Magic - highly concentrated liquid blend of colloidal trace minerals.
Physician’s Choice- full spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement with added herbs to support the immune system – formulated for teens and adults.
* Multi Amino- balanced blend of all twenty amino acids to support protein intake.
Additional Considerations
* Life Choice- Energique’s outstanding green foods blend features chlorella and spirulina and is packed with nutrients and antioxidants for cellular defense.
In some cases dietary restrictions can improve nutritional outcomes, as for example with gluten elimination and celiac disease, however in other cases an unnecessarily restrictive diet may do more harm than good. Encourage your patient to consume primarily nutritious whole foods, but use caution in restricting certain foods in patients with nutrient deficiencies. Most modern conceptions of a healthy diet focus on reducing excess caloric intake to achieve weight control, not maximizing nutrient intake. Rich sources of essential nutrients such as dairy, eggs and red meat need not be restricted unless they are poorly-tolerated by the patient or directly contributing to the underlying disorder. Bone broth can be an excellent source of nutrients that is relatively easy to digest.
[i] Mishra RK, Trivedi R, Pandya MA. A clinical study of Ashwagandha ghrita and Ashwagandha granules for its Brumhana and Balya effect. Ayu. 2010;31(3):355‐360. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.77164
*Denotes primary remedy.
**These statements are based upon traditional homeopathic practice.
**Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Revised 3/1/21