Substance Abuse and Malnourishment - Snapshot of my Research and Writing

Malnutrition associated with substance abuse can be either primary or secondary. Primary malnutrition occurs when substance abuse displaces, reduces, or compromises food intake. Secondary malnutrition occurs when the substance of abuse causes alterations in the absorption, metabolism, utilization, and excretion of nutrients due to compromised oral, gastrointestinal, circulatory, metabolic, and neurological health. Malnutrition impacts all body systems including the immune system, leading to an inadequate response to disease. While the negative effect of alcohol on nutritional status has been well described, the mechanisms behind illicit drug-induced malnourishment remain largely unknown. It is difficult to differentiate between primary and secondary malnourishment within drug-addicted populations. In addition, there are ethical and legal challenges in conducting controlled trials using illicit substances, as well as difficulties with patient follow-up. Most of the data that links nutritional deficiencies to substance abuse is speculative, underpowered, and retrospective.