Problems Related to Nutrition (Malnutrition)

Problems related to nutrition are grouped as malnutrition. Malnutrition is a term for the condition caused by an improper or insufficient diet. It most often refers to undernutrition resulting from inadequate consumption, poor absorption, or excessive loss of nutrients, Malnutrition also includes overnutrition, resulting from overheating or excessive intake of specific nutrients.

Major Forms of Malnutrition:

Common forms of malnutrition include protein-energy malnutrition(PEM), mineral deficiency disease (MDD), and over-intake of nutrients (OIN).

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM):

Protein-energy malnutrition refers to inadequate availability or absorption of energy and proteins in the body. It is the leading cause of death in children in developing countries.

Primary PEM:

Primary PEM results from a diet that lacks sufficient sources of protein and/or energy.

Secondary PEM:

Secondary PEM occurs as a complication of other diseases (AIDS, cancer, kidney failure, etc) that impair the body's ability to absorb or use nutrients.

Diseases caused by PEM:

PEM may lead to diseases such as Kwashiorkor and marasmus

1. Kwashiorkor:

   Kwashiorkor is due to protein deficiency at the age of about 12 months when breastfeeding is discontinued, but it can also develop at any time during a child's growing years. Children may grow to normal height but are abnormally thin.

2. Marasmus:

   Marasmus usually develops between the ages of six months and one year in children. Patients lose all their body fat and muscle strength and acquire a skeletal appearance. Children with marasmus show poor growth and look small for their age.

Mineral Deficiency Diseases (MDD):

Diseases resulting from the deficiency of a mineral are relatively rare among humans. Some examples are given below:

1. Goiter:

   Goiter is a condition caused by an insufficient amount of iodine in the diet. Iodine is used by the thyroid gland to produce hormones that control the body's normal functioning and growth. If sufficient iodine is not available in a person's diet, the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and results in swelling in the neck and the condition is known as goiter.

2. Anemia:

   Anemia is the most common of all mineral deficiency diseases. The term anemia means "a lack of blood." The condition is caused when the number of red blood cells is reduced to a level lower than normal. We know that the hemoglobin molecule contains a single atom of iron at its center. If the body fails to receive sufficient amounts of iron, an adequate number of hemoglobin molecules will not be formed. In that case, there are not enough functioning red blood cells. A person becomes weak and listless.

Over-Intake of Nutrients (OIN):

Over-intake of nutrients (OIN) is a form of malnutrition in which more nutrients are taken than the amounts required for normal growth, development, and metabolism. The effects of the over-intake of nutrients are usually intensified when there is a reduction in daily physical activity (decline in energy expenditure).

Over-intake of nutrients causes several health problems. For example, a high intake of carbohydrates and fats leads to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Similarly, a high dose of vitamin A causes loss of appetite and liver problems, and an excess dose of vitamin D can lead to the deposition of calcium in various tissues, etc.