Diseases Resulting from Nutritional Deficiencies
Here are the key diseases that arise from undernutrition:
Rickets
Rickets is a bone disease characterized by the softening and weakening of bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. The primary cause of rickets is a deficiency of vitamin D, coupled with inadequate calcium intake. Additional factors contributing to this condition may include vomiting, diarrhea, and liver diseases. Treatment typically involves administering daily doses of vitamin D to support bone health and mineralization.
Marasmus
Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition resulting from a significant deficiency in calories and protein, commonly observed in infants and young children. Symptoms include substantial weight loss, as well as the loss of muscle and fat mass, accompanied by dehydration. It is important to note that breastfeeding can play a protective role against the development of marasmus.
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is primarily caused by severe protein deficiency rather than overall calorie deficiency. Although less common than marasmus, it often arises in young children, particularly when a second child is born, displacing the first child in breastfeeding. Children affected by kwashiorkor are generally older than those with marasmus, as they frequently develop the condition after weaning from breast milk. Anyone whose diet is predominantly carbohydrate-based may be at risk for kwashiorkor. Severe cases can manifest as abdominal swelling and protrusions due to fluid accumulation in the body.
Scurvy
Scurvy, also known as “the swollen disease,” results from a deficiency in vitamin C. While it is relatively rare, it can affect the elderly, individuals with high alcohol consumption, and those who do not consume sufficient fresh fruits and vegetables, including children and infants on unbalanced diets.
Beriberi
Beriberi occurs in individuals lacking adequate thiamine (vitamin B1) in their bodies, and it is particularly prevalent among alcoholics, as alcohol impairs the absorption and storage of this vitamin. Common symptoms include difficulty walking, loss of sensation in the limbs, and muscle dysfunction or paralysis below the knees.
Other Nutritional Deficiency-Related Disorders
Several other diseases and disorders can result from nutritional deficiencies, including:
- Vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to dry eyes, night blindness, and an increased risk of infections.
- Zinc deficiency, causing loss of appetite, stunted growth, delayed wound healing, hair loss, and diarrhea.
- Iron deficiency, resulting in impaired cognitive function, body temperature regulation issues, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Iodine deficiency, leading to thyroid gland enlargement (goiters) and reduced production of thyroid hormones, which can affect growth and development.
Diseases Resulting from Overnutrition
Consuming excessive quantities of food, particularly those high in calories and specific nutrients such as fats and proteins, can lead to numerous health issues and chronic diseases over time. Common conditions associated with overnutrition include obesity and an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with affected individuals facing a fourfold increased risk compared to healthy counterparts. Additionally, these individuals often consume high levels of sodium from processed foods, which heightens their likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases.