Nutrient Deficiencies

What is a deficiency? SHORTAGE of a nutrient Not many deficiencies in developed countries, because we have wide food availability and eat fairly balanced diets Much more likely to suffer from EXCESS: –TOO MUCH of a nutrient –Can result in obesity & heart disease

PROTEIN Deficiency: KWASHIORKOR In undeveloped countries, usually associated with calorie deprivation as well Symptoms of kwashiorkor include a swollen abdomen (pot belly), alternating bands of pale and dark hair (flag sign) and weight loss. Can have a long-term impact on a child's physical and mental development

KWASHIORKOR

Vitamin A Deficiency = NIGHT BLINDNESS –Can even result in total blindness in many children –Other symptoms include rough, scaly skin and respiratory/other infections

Vitamin A A balanced diet is unlikely to produce vitamin A TOXICITY (an excessive amount that is poisonous in the body). Beta-carotene can produce vitamin A in the body… too much beta-carotene may turn your skin orange, but it’s harmless!

Vitamin D Deficiency: RICKETS (children) OSTEOMALACIA (adults) Was a serious problem in the US before 1930 (when they added Vit D to milk!) Bones are weak and deformed Children with rickets may have bowed, crooked legs and a misshapen breastbone

RICKETS

Vitamin C Deficiency: SCURVY Symptoms include poor appetite, weakness, bruising and spotty skin, and joint soreness Advanced scurvy can cause open wounds and tooth loss

Scurvy: The Pirate Killer

CALCIUM Deficiency: OSTEOPOROSIS Causes bones to become POROUS, making them weak and fragile Sufferers may develop a stooped posture and their bones break easily Common in older women

OSTEOPOROSIS

Other Deficiencies PELLAGRA: deficiency of niacin (B3) BERIBERI: deficiency of thiamine (B1) ANEMIA: deficiency of iron