(a) How can we classify malnutrition ? (b) Write about some nutritional deficiency diseases

Question

We know that food is the main source to maintain biological processes in a perfect manner. Our diet should be a balanced one which contains proper amount of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, mineral salts and fats. Two thirds of world population is affected by food related diseases. Some of them are suffering by consuming high calorific food. 

Now answer the following questions : 

(a) How can we classify malnutrition ?

(b) Write about some nutritional deficiency diseases

Answer 1

(a) Manutrition is of three types : 

(a) Calorie – malnutrition 

(b) Protein – malnutrition 

(c) Protein – calorie malnutrition 

(b) 

(i) Kwashiorkor disease : 

(1) This is due to protein deficiency in diet. 

(2) Body parts become swollen due to accumulation of water in the intercellular spaces. 

(3) Very poor muscle development, swollen legs, fluffy face, difficult to eat, diarrhoea, dry skin are the symptoms of this disease. 

(ii) Marasmus : 

(1) This is due to deficiency of both proteins and calories. 

(2) Generally this disease occurs when there is an immediate second pregnancy or repeated child births. 

(3) Lean and weak, swollen limbs, less developed muscles, dry skin, diarrhoea etc., are the symptoms of this disease.