DEFICIENCIES CAUSED BY MALNUTRITION

 


Malnutrition can lead to various nutrient deficiencies, depending on the specific imbalance in the diet. Different nutrients play crucial roles in the body, and their deficiencies can have significant health consequences. Here are some common nutrient deficiencies associated with malnutrition:

   1. PROTEIN DEFICIENCY:-

  • Effects: Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues. Protein deficiency can lead to stunted growth in children, weakened immune function, and muscle wasting.

   2. ENERGY (CALORIE) DEFICIENCY:-

  • Effects: Inadequate calorie intake can result in energy deficiency, leading to weight loss, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.

  3. VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY:-

  • Effects: Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and skin health. A deficiency can lead to night blindness, increased susceptibility to infections, and skin problems.

  4. VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY:-

  • Effects: Vitamin D is crucial for bone health as it aids in the absorption of calcium. Deficiency can lead to bone disorders such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

  5. VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY (SCURVY):-

  • Effects: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and wound healing. Scurvy, a condition caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, results in bleeding gums, joint pain, and fatigue.

  6. VITAMIN B COMPLEX DEFICIENCIES:-

  • B1 (Thiamine): Deficiency can lead to beriberi, which affects the nervous system and cardiovascular system.
  • B2 (Riboflavin): Deficiency can cause skin and eye disorders.
  • B3 (Niacin): Deficiency leads to pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
  • B9 (Folate): Deficiency is associated with anemia and neural tube defects in infants.
  • B12 (Cobalamin): Deficiency can result in pernicious anemia, neurological problems, and fatigue.

     7. IRON DEFICIENCY (ANEMIA):-

  • Effects: Iron is crucial for the formation of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and paleness.

     8. CALCIUM DEFICIENCY:-

  • Effects: Calcium is essential for bone health and muscle function. Deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and dental problems.

     9. ZINC DEFICIENCY:-

  • Effects: Zinc is involved in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can result in impaired growth, weakened immune response, and skin problems.

    10. IODINE DEFICIECY:-

  • Effects: Iodine is crucial for thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones. Deficiency can lead to goiter, hypothyroidism, and cognitive impairments.

    11. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID DEFICIENCY:- 

  • Effects: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health and cardiovascular function. Deficiency can result in cognitive issues and cardiovascular problems.
 

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