1.B5.4 - NUTRIENT DEFICENCIESDiscuss the causes and effects of nutrientdeficiencies in different countries andsuggest solutions.

2. If the body does not contain enough of a vitamin, adisorder may occur. This is known as deficiencydisease. When intake is insufficient, the deficiency diseasecan be avoided by supplementing the diet with thenecessary vitamin. 3. Vitamin Deficiencies 4. Mineral Deficiencies Deficiency diseases also arise when a personsdiet lacks a specific mineral. Minerals act as metabolites for:- various cell processes- raw materials for body tissue formation- components of enzymes- providing the correct chemical environment forcells 5. Some foods are fortified to ensure that a normal dietcan provide sufficient vitamins or minerals tomaintain health For example:-the milling of wheat removes part of the grain thatsrichest in vitamin B1, so white flour has this vitaminadded to it-margarine has vit. A and D added-vitamin C is often added to fruit juices anddehydrated mashed potatoes-potassium iodide is commonly added to table salts 6. Malnutrition Malnutrition is a general term used for amedical condition caused by improper orinadequate diets An extended period of malnutrition may result in:- starvation- vitamin or mineral deficiency diseases- infection (since immune system is also affected) 7. Iodine Deficiency Malnutritioncausedby a lack of iodine indiet results in a goitre The disease is due toan over or underactive thyroid It is relatively painlessbut cancausediscomfort inmovement as thegoitre enlarges 8. Protein Deficiency Protein-energy malnutrition refers to a form ofmalnutrition caused by inadequate proteinintake Protein deficiency often leads to:- Kwashiorkor- Marasmus 9. Kwashiorkor Kwashiorkor is a type ofmalnutritioncommonlybelieved, in part, to becausedbyinsufficientprotein consumption Children ages 1-4 areusually affected, althoughsome adults Swollen abdomen (pot belly) Alternating bands of paleand dark hair Weight loss Dermatitis (inflammation ofthe skin) and depigmentedskin- likely due to de deficiencyof micronutrients (iron, folicacid, iodine, vitamin C,antioxidants) 10. Marasmus Marasmus is a form ofsevere proteinmalnutritioncharacterized by energydeficiency It will lead to extensivetissueandmusclewastingandedema(accumulation of fluidbeneath the skin) Dry skin, loose skin folds Patients are often irritableand very hungry Children with marasmusnormally have body massthat is reduced to lessthan 80% of normal massfor that height 11. Selenium Deficiencies Human selenium deficiency is rare in manycountries but occurs in China where the soilconcentration of selenium is low It is also found in those that rely on intravenousdrip on hospitals as their source of nutrition Gastrointestinal disorders may also decrease theabsorption of selenium, resulting in depletion ofthe mineral The disease can be treated with supplements