Which factor is an immediate rather than an underlying cause of malnutrition?

The presence of infections and diseases is considered an immediate cause of malnutrition because it directly impacts the body's ability to absorb nutrients and utilize them effectively. When an individual experiences infections or diseases, there is often an increased metabolic demand and a reduction in appetite, which can lead to decreased food intake and nutrient absorption. As a result, the individual may suffer from acute malnutrition as their body struggles to recover from the illness while simultaneously dealing with inadequate nutrition.

In contrast, the other factors listed are considered underlying causes. Inadequate food supply reflects systemic issues related to food distribution and availability, which affects overall access to nutritious food. Poor sanitation poses risks for spreading diseases, which indirectly contributes to malnutrition by increasing susceptibility to infections. Inadequate income affects access to food and resources needed for proper nutrition but does so over a longer term, making it an underlying rather than immediate cause.

Understanding these distinctions helps in addressing malnutrition effectively by targeting both immediate health concerns and broader social determinants.