Malnutrition (whether assessed by impaired weight or height for age) leads to increased frequencies and durations of diarrheal illnesses, with a 37% increase in frequency and a 73% increase in duration accounting for a doubling of the diarrhea burden (days of diarrhea) in malnourished children.

What vitamins do you lose when you have diarrhea?

Potassium is an important element for your body. It may be lost in large quantities through diarrhea. If you don't have enough potassium, you may feel weak. When you have diarrhea, eat some foods high in potassium, such as ripe bananas, apricot or peach nectar, potatoes, fish and meat.

Can malnutrition cause diarrhea in adults?

With severe malnutrition, chronic diarrhoea can persist due to impaired immune function and poor mucosal recovery. Food intolerance and an inappropriate diet in the setting of malabsorption may also contribute to chronic diarrhoea.