Malnutrition Disorders

Inadequate diet leads to various malnutrition disorders such as vitamin deficiencies or mineral deficiencies. General malnutrition is common in developing countries in areas of famine and starvation. In the modern world, general malnutrition and also particular conditions can occur in transient populations such as the homeless. For example, a small number of cases of scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) occur each year in the homeless, in those who have not eaten any fruit at all for several months.

General malnutrition disorders: There are various medical conditions caused by the general lack of food.

• Marasmus: general food deficiency (starvation): severe weight loss, weakness
• Kwashiorkor (protein malnutrition): bloated stomach
• Malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM): a form of diabetes with high sugars, but without causing diabetic ketotic coma.

Vitamin deficiencies: The lack of certain vitamins can cause various medical conditions, even if other aspects of the diet are adequate.

• scurvy (vitamin C deficiency/ascorbic acid deficiency): immune weakness
• rickets (Vitamin D deficiency): weakened bones
• Vitamin A deficiency: night blindness
• beriberi: a deficiency in thiamine, vitamin B1.
• pellagra: a deficiency in niacin, vitamin B3.
• Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
• Riboflavin deficiency

Mineral deficiencies: Certain minerals are also required in the diet for full health. Lack of minerals can lead to diseases.

• Goitre: iodine deficiency: swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck
• Iron deficiency: can lead to anemia with resulting symptoms of anemia such as tiredness and fatique
• Calcium deficiency
• Magnesium deficiency

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