Question

What is malnutrition? Explain some nutritional deficiency diseases.

Answer 1

Hint: Nutrition or nourishment refers to the food that is absolutely necessary for proper growth and development, and for the proper functioning of the body’s vital functions. The major classes of nutrients which are essential to carry out these functions are Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, Vitamins and Minerals.

Complete answer: Malnutrition refers to the term used to describe any deficiencies, excess or any kind of an imbalance in an individual’s intake of nutrients which provide energy. Malnutrition can be further classified into undernutrition, which involves stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, being underweight and having nutritional insufficiencies. Another class of malnutrition falls under obesity, overweight and diet-related non-communicable diseases. This condition can result from fasting, malabsorption syndrome, continuous vomiting and chronic illness. Another major cause of malnutrition is limited food availability due to poverty.

Nutritional deficiency diseases are illnesses caused due to deficiencies in nutrient intake and also any kind of developmental abnormalities which can be prevented or treated with the help of a properly nutritious diet.

Some major nutritional deficiency diseases are as follows:
1. Night-blindness- Caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin A, causing a blurred vision and a decrease in night-time vision. This can be corrected by increasing the intake of vitamin A-rich food such as spinach, green leafy vegetables, and carrots.
2. Rickets- This is caused due to vitamin D deficiency, leading to weakened bones, bowed legs and other bone deformities. This can be corrected by including milk, fish oils in the diet and also with adequate exposure to sunlight.
3. Beri-beri – Caused due to deficiency of vitamin B1, leading to nerve degeneration, an alteration in muscular coordination and many cardiovascular problems. Including grains, pulses and beans in the diet can correct the deficiency.
4. Scurvy- Caused due to vitamin C deficiency, causing a delayed wound healing process, bleeding of gums and improper formation of bones. Citrus fruits and broccoli intake prevents the incidence of the disease.
5. Goiter- Caused due to deficiency of Iodine, causing an enlargement in the thyroid gland, poor growth in children and also mental retardation. Iodine rich food items such as iodized salt and saltwater fishes in diet can prevent iodine deficiencies.

Note: Chronic undernutrition is most manifested as Protein-Energy malnutrition or PEM, occurring mostly in children, eventually resulting in a condition known as Kwashiorkor. Another major disorder thus caused is Marasmus, caused due to deprived food resources.