Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are classified as which of the following:

A. Undernutrition and nutrient toxicity

While nutrient toxicity can cause harm, it is not one of the major categories of malnutrition.

B. Overnutrition and undernutrition

The two major forms of malnutrition are: Undernutrition (lack of calories, protein, or micronutrients) and overnutrition (excess calorie intake leading to overweight or obesity).

C. Caloric excess and vitamin overdose

These are specific conditions, not the broad categories of malnutrition.

D. Overnutrition and micronutrient toxicity

Micronutrient toxicity is not one of the primary classifications of malnutrition.

A. Metabolism

Metabolism is a broad term encompassing all chemical processes in the body. It includes both catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (building), but doesn’t describe the specific state the patient is in.

B. Catabolism

In starvation and hypothermia, the body enters a catabolic state—breaking down tissues and energy stores (e.g., fat, muscle) to produce energy needed for survival. Catabolism predominates in energy-deficient and stress conditions.

C. Anabolism

Anabolism refers to building complex molecules and tissue (e.g., muscle growth), which occurs in nutrient-rich, well-rested states—not in starvation.

D. Glycogenesis

Glycogenesis is the formation of glycogen from glucose for energy storage. In starvation, the body is doing the opposite—breaking down glycogen via glycogenolysis, not storing it.