MALNUTRITION

WHAT IS MALNUTRITION? Malnutrition is: poor nutrition due to an insufficient, poorly balanced diet, faulty digestion or poor utilization of foods. (This can result in the inability to absorb foods.) Malnutrition is not only insufficient intake of nutrients. It can occur when an individual is getting excessive nutrients as well.

WHAT CAUSES MALNUTRITION? Human beings need a wide variety of nutrients to supply essential energy. Do you know what nutrients we need? protein vitamins minerals If any one of these nutrients is deficient in a person's diet, he/she may suffer from malnutrition

WHAT CAUSES MALNUTRITION? (continued) Malnutrition also occurs when there is an imbalance of energy and protein in an individual’s diet. The body may become unable to absorb the nutrients it requires to function properly. *For example, if a child is suffering from energy and protein malnutrition, they will most likely have deficiencies in iron, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY MALNUTRITION? Individuals who are dependent on others for their nourishment. (infants, children, the elderly, prisoners) Mentally disabled or ill because they are not aware of what to eat. People who are suffering from tuberculosis, eating disorders, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or who have undergone surgical procedures are susceptible to interferences with appetite or food uptake which can lead to malnutrition.

BUT DO YOU KNOW THE NUMBER ONE FACTOR THAT CAUSES MALNUTRITION? POVERTY!

POVERTY… Nearly 3 billion people in the world are living on less than $1 a day. They have little access to their basic needs, including adequate nutrition to help their bodies stay in balance. Poverty may also prevent individuals from accessing education, which can lead to misinformation about adequate nutrition.

Effects of malnutrition Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to various diseases which can be found everywhere, but most often go without cures/treatment in Less Developed Countries (LDCs).

Kwashiokor/Marasmus Kwashiokor, which means “disease of the displaced child” in the Ga language of Ghana is a protein deficiency characterized by inability to gain weight, diarrhea, lethargy and a swollen belly. can lead to coma as well as death. Similarly, Marasmus is a disease resulting from protein deficiency affects children early in life (typically in the 1st year) slowing growth, decreasing weight and hindering proper development. Nutrition supplements, rehydration and education can cure and prevent these diseases.

Beriberi Beriberi - thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency common in South East Asia where many diets consist solely of white rice. affects the proper functioning of the nervous system as well as the circulatory system and heart. Pregnant or breast feeding mothers and those who are ill with fever may have a heightened dependency on thiamine and may develop a deficiency. Thiamine is best acquired through foods such as pork, beef and whole grain (unrefined) breads and grains.

Pellagra Pellagra or “rough skin” - niacin (or Tryptophan) deficiency often results in the “3 Ds”; diarrhea, dementia and dermatitis. The large scale consumption of corn has resulted in many cases of pellagra because corns nutrients are poorly absorbed in the body. The best sources of Niacin are broccoli, eggs, dates, beef, salmon, seeds and peanuts.

Scurvy Scurvy - due to Vitamin C deficiency characterized by bleeding around hair follicles, anemia and gingivitis. May occur in those who consume large amounts of junk foods, smokers (smoking depletes Vitamin C) and those who don’t have proper access to sources of vitamin C. (Namely, the poor)

Rickets Rickets - due to Vitamin D deficiencies May result in a lack of proper calcium characterized by poorly developed and deformed bones. Vitamin D can be best found in beef products (especially cows milk) but is very low in breast milk. Thus, women in developing countries are unknowingly contributing to this disease if their babies sole source of nourishment is breast milk.

SOURCES & BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www.nutrition.org.uk/information/dietandhealth/malnutrition.html http://www.malnutrition.org/malnutrition.html http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/beriberi.jsp http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Kwa-Men/Kwashiorkor.html Malnutrition Book © 1994