MALNUTRITION
AND ITS IMPLICATION
Malnutrition is a pathological state that
results from eating a diet in which the nutrients are not enough or are too
much such that it causes health problems. Malnutrition can be classified into:
under nutrition, over nutrition. Over
nutrition can result overweight and obesity. Under nutrition is common in
developing countries while over nutrition and obesity is common in developed
countries. Under nutrition is sometimes used as a synonym of protein- energy
malnutrition while over nutrition includes both micro-nutrient deficiency,
protein-energy malnutrition and dietary deficiencies. Micro-nutrient deficiencies
includes: lack of iron, iodine and vitamin A. During pregnancy, due to increase
demand, deficiency becomes more common. Other cause of malnutrition includes
anorexia nervosa, and bariatic surgery. In the elderly,
malnutrition becomes more common due to physical, psychological and social
factors. Efforts to improve nutrition are some of the most effective forms of
development aid. Breast feeding can reduce rates of malnutrition and death in
children and efforts to promote the practice increases rates.
Effects
of malnutrition
Malnutrition
increases the risk of infections and infectious diseases and moderate
malnutrition weakens every part of the immune system. For example, it is a
major risk factor in the onset of active tuberculosis.
Malnutrition affects HIV
transmission by increasing the risk of transmission from mother to child also
increasing replication of the virus. In communities or areas that lack access
to safe drinking water, these additional health risks present a critical
problem. Lower energy and impaired function of the brain also represent the
downward spiral of malnutrition as victims are less able to perform the tasks
they need to in order to acquire food, earn an income or gain an education.
According to WHO (world health organisation), malnutrition is the biggest
contributor of child mortality present in half of all cases.
Malnutrition in the form of iodine
deficiency is the most common preventable cause of mental impairment
world-wide.
Causes
of malnutrition
Major causes of malnutrition include;
Dietary practices: A lack of adequate breastfeeding leads to malnutrition
in infants and children. Deriving too much of one’s diet from a single source
such as eating almost exclusively corn or rice can cause malnutrition. Over
eating can cause malnutrition. This is common in developed countries.
Poverty and food price: Poor socio-economic status is associated with
chronic malnutrition since it inhibits purchase of nutritious foods.
Agricultural
productivity: Local food shortage can be caused by a lack of arable land, adverse
weather, and low farming skills such as crop rotation of by lack of technology
or resources needed for the higher yields found in the modern agriculture.
Other causes includes, government laws on food products, famine, ignorance on
the right combination of nutritious foods, culture etc.
Prevention
and treatment of malnutrition Treating
malnutrition, mostly through fortifying foods with micronutrients (vitamins and
minerals) improves lives at lower cost and shorter time than other forms of
aid. There
is a growing realization among aid groups that giving cash or cash vouchers
instead of food is a cheaper faster and more effective way to deliver help to
the hungry, particularly in areas where food is available but unaffordable. Nutrition education seminars should be conducted to educate the masses
on the right combination of nutritious foods. Promotion of agricultural productions can help prevent malnutrition.
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