Nutrition: Facts On Malnutrition Meeting the body’s needs for energy and nutrients is essential for good health. Intakes of energy and/or nutrients below or in excess of needs for a prolonged period of time can adversely affect health. Malnutrition is a term which covers problems of both under nutrition and over nutrition. UNDER NUTRITION Severe under nutrition is rare in developed countries but can be common in some developing countries. The body may adapt to a short period of under nutrition. Some nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body and stores can be used