NUTRITIONAL

DEFICIENCIES
By
DR. (MRS.)
STELLA APPIAH, RN, FWACN, FGCNM
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING, VVU
INTRODUCTION
The term malnutrition generally refers both
to undernutrition and overnutrition, but
commonly, the term refers solely to a
deficiency of nutrition.
Malnutrition commonly affects all groups in a
community, but infants and young children
are the most vulnerable because of their high
nutritional requirements for growth and
development
INTRODUCTION
Invariably reflects combined deficiencies in…
Protein: deficit in amino acids needed for cell
structure, function
• Energy: calories (or joules) derived from
macronutrients: protein, carbohydrate and fat
• Micronutrients: vitamin A, B complex, iron,
zinc, calcium, others
INTRODUCTION
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is
currently the most widespread and serious
health problem of children in the world.
 At any time approximately 100 million
children suffer from the moderate or severe
forms of PEM
CLASSIFICATION
Two distinct clinical syndromes have been
described; kwashiorkor and marasmus, and
represent the severe forms of PEM.
They occupy the two ends of a spectrum with a
mixture of the clinical features of both in between
marasmus- kwashiorkor
Of the two classical syndromes, kwashiorkor has
received a great deal of interest and attention
because of its striking clinical features and
extensive changes in the body's chemistry.
However, there are now clear indications that
marasmus is on the increase
Marasmus
Energy deficiency. This usually occurs in younger
children, with failure to thrive. Marasmus is inadequate
energy intake in all forms, including protein.
The word “marasmus” comes from the Greek
marasmos ("decay").
•Severely wasted (emaciated) & stunted
•“Balanced” starvation
•“Old Man” face, wrinkled appearance, sparse hair
•No edema, fatty liver, skin changes
Too little breast milk or complementary foods
•< 2 yrs of age
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION OF MARASMUS
Marasmus is commonly represented by a
shrunken, wasted appearance, loss of muscle
mass and subcutaneous fat mass.
Buttocks and upper limb muscle groups are
usually more affected than others.
Marasmus is not generally associated with
severe edema. Other symptoms of marasmus
include unusual body temperature
(hypothermia, pyrexia),
CONT’D
Anemia, dehydration (as characterized with
consistent thirst and shrunken
eyes)hypovolemic shock (weak radial pulse,
cold extremities, decreased consciousness),
tachypnea (pneumonia, heart failure),
abdominal manifestations (distension,
decreased or metallic bowel sounds, large or
small liver, blood or mucus in the stools),
CONT’D
ocular manifestations (corneal lesions
associated with vitamin A deficiency), dermal
manifestations (evidence of infection,
purpura, and ear, nose, and throat symptoms
(otitis, rhinitis).
KWASHIORKOR
Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition,
caused by a deficiency in dietary protein. The
extreme lack of protein causes an osmotic
imbalance in the gastro-intestinal
system causing swelling of the gut diagnosed
as an edema or retention of water
Sufficient calorie intake, but with
insufficient protein consumption,
distinguishes it from marasmus. Kwashiorkor
cases occur in areas of famine or poor food
supply
CONT’D
The name is derived from the Ga
language of Ghana, translated as "the
sickness the baby gets when the new baby
comes" or "the disease of the deposed child“
and reflecting the development of the
condition in an older child who has
been weaned from the breast when a younger
sibling comes.
Jamaican pediatrician Cicely Williams
introduced the name into the medical
community in a 1935
CONT’D
Breast milk contains proteins and amino acids vital
to a child's growth. In at-risk populations,
kwashiorkor may develop after a mother weans her
child from breast milk, replacing it with a diet high
in carbohydrates, especially sugar
Extreme fluid retention observed in individuals
suffering from kwashiorkor is a direct result of
irregularities in the lymphatic system and an
indication of capillary exchange.
The lymphatic system serves three major purposes:
fluid recovery, immunity, and lipid absorption
CLINICAL MMANIFESTATION OF
KWASHIORKOR
Insufficient protein consumption (Kwashiorkor:
protein deficiency + oedema)
•Edema
•Mental changes
•Hair changes
•Fatty liver
•Dermatosis (skin lesions)
•Infection
•High case fatality
•Low prevalence
•1st to 3rd yrs of life
Marasmic-Kwashiorkor
Deficiency of both calories and protein
Kwashiorkor Marasmus
A malnutrition disease, primarily of children, re
sulting from the deficiency of both calories and
protein. The condition is
characterized by severe tissue wasting, dehydr
ation, loss of subcutaneous fat, lethargy, and gr
owth retardation
ASSOCIATED DEFICIENCIES
Nutritional deficiency is very rarely restricted
to just one or two nutrients. As a rule the
deficiency is generalized so that, besides
clinical signs of protein and calorie deficiency,
there also exist signs of vitamin and other
deficiencies.
Xerophthalmia- deficiency of vitamin A is
endemic and is commonly associated with
protein-energy malnutrition.
CONT’D
Rickets: is a common finding in cases of PEM
from the urban slums and inner-city areas. It
is more common in the younger child
suffering from marasmus than in the older
child suffering from kwashiorkor.
Vitamin B deficiency: PEM deplete stores of
the water-soluble vitamins, chiefly those of
the B group. The effects of protein deficiency
on the mucosal lining of the mouth, skin and
gastrointestinal tract may alter the classic
manifestations of B-complex deficiency
CONT’D
Anaemia: is also a common accompaniment
of protein-calorie malnutrition. The
commonest form of anaemia is of the iron
deficiency type, which is as expected, since
iron deficiency is so widespread in the
tropics.
Causes of Severe Childhood PEM
Chronic, severely low energy and protein
intake
• Exclusive breast feeding for too long
• Dilution of formula
• Unclean/non-nutritious, complementary foods
of low energy and micronutrient density
• Infection (eg, measles, diarrhea, others)
• Xenobiotics (aflatoxins)
MANAGEMENT
HISTORY
The following points should be noted:
 Previous intake of food and fluids
Duration and frequency of vomiting and
diarrhoea
 Presence of fever, difficulty in breathing
 Urine flow and when urine was last passed
Mental apathy and loss of appetite
Past history of measles.
Examination
Take the weight of the child.
Take the temperature, using a low-recording
thermometer.
Record the pulse and respiratory rates.
Check for signs of dehydration .
 Examine ears, throat, and chest for evidence of
infection.
Note the presence of oedema and/or severe anaemia,
or the two in combination. Note the presence of
photophobia, i.e., abnormal intolerance of light (in
areas where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent).
Investigations
Where facilities permit, the following investigations are
helpful:
Haemoglobin (values amounting to less than 30 gil or
Hb(Fe) of below 1.86 mmolll or an erythrocyte volume
fraction (haematocrit) of less than 10 indicate severe
anaemia)
Urine examination for pus cells
Stool examination for presence of ova and parasites
 X-ray of the chest
Blood-smear examination for malarial parasites (in areas
where malaria is common)
Examination of blood for sickle-cell haemoglobin (in areas
where sickle-cell anaemia is common).
Assessment of dehydration
The child with PEM nearly always suffers
from diarrhoea and vomiting, which result in
some degree of dehydration.
In mild dehydration, the child is often thirsty,
restless, and irritable, without any other
clinical signs; however, fluid loss of up to 5%
of body weight (50 mllkg body weight) may
have already occurred.
Treatment of Severe PEM
Nutritious feeds:
• Breast milk; • Liquid feeds of skimmed milk,
oil, sugar; soft
• Cereal gruels with milk, oil, sugar soft
• Soft ripe fruit, cooked vegetables
• Establish a daily, graduated intake of - • ~3-4
g protein per kg (actual) body wt ~200 kcal of
energy per kg body wt
CONT’D
More frequent small feeds better than large meals
• Micronutrient supplements:
• To treat clinical conditions (eg, anemia,
xerophthalmia
• To prevent further deficiencies
• Water for thirst
• Treat infections and illnesses; eg,
• Diarrhea: ORS & zinc
• Antibiotics, as indicated
• Prevent hypothermia
Anthropometric Measurements of
Nutritional Status
Weight
• Length/height
• Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC)
• Chest circumference
• Head circumference
• Skinfold measurements: Tricipital and
Subscapular
Anthropometric classification of PEM
Underweight : Weight for age < -2SD of the
median age-sex specific weight of the
NCHS/WHO reference
• Stunting: Height for age < -2SD of the
median age-sex specific height of the
NCHS/WHO reference
• Wasting: Weight for height <-2SD of the
median weight at a given height of the
NCHS/WHO reference
Complications of PEM
Hypoglycemia
• Hypothermia
• Dehydration and shock
• Electrolyte imbalance - hypokalemia -
hyponatremia
• Infections (bacterial, viral and thrush)
Micronutrient deficiencies
OBESITY
Obesity is a condition where a person has
accumulated so much body fat that it might
have a negative effect on their health.
If a person's bodyweight is at least 20%
higher than it should be, he or she is
considered obese.
If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25
and 29.9 you are considered overweight
FACTS
Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980.
In 2014, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older,
were overweight. Of these over 600 million were obese.
39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight in
2014, and 13% were obese.
Most of the world's population live in countries where
overweight and obesity kills more people than
underweight.
41 million children under the age of 5 were overweight
or obese in 2014.
Obesity is preventable.
CONT’D
People are generally considered obese when
their body mass index (BMI), a measurement
obtained by dividing a person's weight by the
square of the person's height, is
over 30 kg/m2, with the
range 25–30 kg/m2 defined as overweight
Obesity is most commonly caused by a
combination of excessive food intake, lack of
physical activity, and genetic susceptibility
What are overweight and obesity?
Overweight and obesity are defined as
abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that
may impair health.
Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of
weight-for-height that is commonly used to
classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is
defined as a person's weight in kilograms
divided by the square of his height in meters
(kg/m2).
CLASSIFICATION
Adults
For adults, WHO defines overweight and
obesity as follows:
overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to
25; and
obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30.
BMI provides the most useful population-
level measure of overweight and obesity as it
is the same for both sexes and for all ages of
adults.
CONT’D
Children under 5 years of age
For children under 5 years of age:
overweight is weight-for-height greater than
2 standard deviations above WHO Child
Growth Standards median; and
obesity is weight-for-height greater than 3
standard deviations above the WHO Child
Growth Standards median.
CONT’D
Children aged between 5–19 years
Overweight and obesity are defined as
follows for children aged between 5–19 years:
overweight is BMI-for-age greater than 1
standard deviation above the WHO Growth
Reference median; and
obesity is greater than 2 standard deviations
above the WHO Growth Reference median.
Classification
It is defined by body mass index (BMI) and
further evaluated in terms of fat distribution via
the waist–hip ratio and total cardiovascular risk
factors.
BMI is closely related to both percentage body
fat and total body fat.
 BMI is defined as the subject's weight divided
by the square of their height and is calculated
as follows.

BMI= Weight/Height2
CONT’D
BMI is usually expressed in kilograms per
square metre, resulting when weight is
measured in kilograms and height in metres.
Any BMI ≥ 35 or 40 kg/m2 is severe obesity.
A BMI of ≥ 35 kg/m2 and experiencing
obesity-related health conditions or ≥40–
44.9 kg/m2 is morbid obesity.
A BMI of ≥ 45 or 50 kg/m2 is super obesity.
Causes
At an individual level, a combination of
excessive food energy intake and a lack
of physical activity is thought to explain most
cases of obesity.
A limited number of cases are due primarily
to genetics, medical reasons, or psychiatric
illness.
 In contrast, increasing rates of obesity at a
societal level are felt to be due to an easily
accessible and palatable diet, increased
reliance on cars, and mechanized
manufacturing
CONT’D
 The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an
energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories
expended. Globally, there has been:
 an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in
fat; and
 an increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly
sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of
transportation, and increasing urbanization.
 Changes in dietary and physical activity patterns are often
the result of environmental and societal changes associated
with development and lack of supportive policies in sectors
such as health, agriculture, transport, urban planning,
environment, food processing, distribution, marketing, and
education.
Diet
The widespread availability of nutritional
guidelines has done little to address the
problems of overeating and poor dietary
choice
Consumption of sweetened drinks such as
soft drinks, fruit drinks, iced tea, and energy
and vitamin water drinks is believed to be
contributing to the rising rates of obesity and
to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome
and type 2 diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle plays a significant role
in obesity.
Worldwide there has been a large shift
towards less physically demanding work and
currently at least 30% of the world's
population gets insufficient exercise.
This is primarily due to increasing use of
mechanized transportation and a greater
prevalence of labor-saving technology in the
home.
In children, there appear to be declines in
Genetics
Like many other medical conditions, obesity
is the result of an interplay between genetic
and environmental factors.
Different people exposed to the same
environment have different risks of obesity
due to their underlying genetics
Other illnesses
Certain physical and mental illnesses and the
pharmaceutical substances used to treat
them can increase risk of obesity.
Medical illnesses that increase obesity risk
include several rare genetic syndromes as
well as some congenital or acquired
conditions: hypothyroidism, Cushing' s
syndrome, growth hormone deficiency and
the eating disorders: binge eating disorder
and night eating syndrome
Social determinants
The correlation between social class and BMI
varies globally
In the developing world urbanization is
playing a role in increasing rate of obesity
In the developing world, women, men, and
children from high social classes had greater
rates of obesity
In the United States the number of children a
person has is related to their risk of obesity
What are common health consequences of
overweight and obesity?
Raised BMI is a major risk factor for non
communicable diseases such as:
cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and
stroke), which were the leading cause of death in
2012;
diabetes;
musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis –
a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints);
some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian,
prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon).
The risk for these non communicable diseases
increases, with increases in BMI.
What are common health consequences of
overweight and obesity?
Childhood obesity is associated with a higher
chance of obesity, premature death and
disability in adulthood. But in addition to
increased future risks, obese children
experience breathing difficulties, increased
risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers
of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance
and psychological effects.
MANAGEMENT
The main treatment for obesity consists
of dieting and physical exercise
Diet programs may produce weight loss over the short
term, but maintaining this weight loss is frequently
difficult and often requires making exercise and a lower
food energy diet a permanent part of a person's lifestyle.
In the short-term low carbohydrate diets appear better
than low fat diets for weight loss.
In the long term; however, all types of low-carbohydrate
and low-fat diets appear equally beneficial.
 A 2014 review found that the heart disease and diabetes
risks associated with different diets appear to be similar.
CONT’D
Decreased intake of sweet drinks is also
related to weight-loss.
Success rates of long-term weight loss
maintenance with lifestyle changes are low,
ranging from 2–20%.
Dietary and lifestyle changes are effective in
limiting excessive weight gain in pregnancy
and improve outcomes for both the mother
and the child.
Intensive behavioral counseling is
recommended in those who are both obese
CONT’D
Surgery for severe obesity is associated with
long-term weight loss, improvement in
obesity related conditions
Complications occur in about 17% of cases
and reoperation is needed in 7% of cases
Vitamin and
Mineral deficiencies
A mineral deficiency refers to a malnutrition
of dietary minerals and
these deficiencies can result in many
disorders including anaemia and goitre.
Vitamin A
It is the world's leading cause of preventable
blindness in children and increases the risk of
disease and death.
A serious problem in more of half of all
countries, though it mainly affects poorer
regions.
In pregnant women, vitamin A deficiency can
cause night blindness and increase risk of
maternal mortality.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient, and it’s
particularly good for skin and for healthy
Vitamin D
Up to a quarter of the population has low
levels of vitamin D in their blood according to
UK government figures.
Vitamin D has several important functions.
For example, it helps to regulate the amount
of calcium and phosphate in the body.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to rickets in
children and weakness, aches and pains in
adults where bones don't have enough
calcium called osteomalacia.
Vitamin E
You are unlikely to have a deficiency of
vitamin E, as any excess is stored in your
body naturally.
But it is important to have because it is an
antioxidant, helps maintain healthy skin and
eyes, whilst also helping strengthen the
immune system.
There is also a suggestion that vitamin E may
help slow the growth of dementia which is
currently being researched.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K has several important functions.
For example, it's needed for blood clotting,
which means it helps wounds to heal
properly. There is also some evidence to
suggest it helps keep bones healthy.
Not very much vitamin K is needed, so
deficiencies are rare, but a healthy balanced
diet necessary to ensure you have enough.
Vitamin C
Often seen as the most famous of the deficiencies,
as a lack of vitamin C causes Scurvy.
Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is vital for
the body, because it's needed to make collagen.
Without vitamin C, collagen can't be replaced and
the different types of tissue breakdown, leading to
the symptoms of scurvy. These include:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Appearance of red dots on the skin
- Bleeding and swelling of the gums
CONT’D
Vitamin C is also an antioxident helping to
prevent against cardiovascular disease and
some cancers.
One has to take a lot of vitamin C from
supplements to overdose, but very high levels
over long periods can lead to kidney stones.
Thiamin
Thiamin (vitamin B1) helps the body's cells
convert carbohydrate into energy.
Carbohydrates provide energy for the body,
especially the brain and nervous system.
Thiamin also plays a role in muscle
contraction and conduction of nerve signals.
A lack of thiamin is called beriberi and can
cause weakness, fatigue, psychosis and nerve
damage.
Whilst it is not very common, alcoholics are
most at risk of thiamin deficiency
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B2.
It is important for keeping skin, eyes and the
nervous system healthy, helping the body release
energy from the food we eat.
A deficiency of riboflavin can cause a sore throat,
cheilosis (lesions on the lips), angular stomatitis
(lesions on the angles of the mouth), glossitis
(fissured and magenta-coloured tongue), corneal
vascularisation, dyssebacia (red, scaly, greasy
patches on the nose, eyelids, scrotum, and labia),
and normocytic, normochromic anaemia.
Niacin
Niacin is also known as vitamin B3.
Niacin is important for helping the body to
release energy from the foods we eat, and
helping to keep the nervous systems and skin
healthy.
Taking too much niacin for too long can
cause liver damage.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 allows the body to use and store energy from
protein and carbohydrates in food, helping to form
haemoglobin – the substance in red blood cells that carries
oxygen around the body.
Thyroid UK notes that “without this vitamin the thyroid
cannot utilise its iodine raw material efficiently to make
the hormones. This vitamin is needed even more by an
overactive thyroid.
 Muscle weakness is very common in people with an
overactive thyroid and in those who are also lacking in
B6.”
Long term high doses of vitamin B6 can be toxic and may
result in nerve damage that may eventually be irreversible.
Folic Acid
Folic Acid works with vitamin B12 to form healthy
red blood cells, whilst also helping to reduce the
risk of central nervous system defects, such as
spina bifida in unborn babies, which is why
maintaining a healthy amount of folic acid is
important during pregnancy.
A lack of folic acid can lead to folate deficiency
anemia, which causes tiredness (caused by
anaemia), weakness, diarrhoea, loss of appetite
and weight loss. A deficiency of folic acid can also
cause headaches, heart palpitations, a sore tongue
and behavioural disorders.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 has similar roles to folic acid
within the body, helping make red blood cells
and keeping the nervous system healthy,
releasing energy from the food we eat.
A lack of B12 causes pernicious anaemia with
the symptoms of extreme tiredness, lack of
energy, pins and needles (paraesthesia), sore
and red tongue, muscle weakness,
depression, problems with memory,
understanding and judgement.
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid is also known as vitamin B5.
Pantothenic acid has several functions, such
as helping to release energy from the food we
eat.
A lack of pantothenic acid can cause fatigue,
chronic stress and depression.
MINERAL DEFICIENCCIES
Minerals are specific kinds of nutrients that
the body needs in order to function properly.
A mineral deficiency occurs when the body
doesn’t obtain or absorb the required amount
of a mineral.
Minerals can be obtained from food,
supplements, and fortified food products.
There are five main types of mineral
deficiency: calcium, iron, magnesium,
potassium, and zinc.
Poor, low-calorie, and restricted diets can
Cont’d
The human body requires different amounts
of each mineral to stay healthy. Specific
needs are outlined in recommended daily
allowances (RDA).
The RDA is the average amount that meets
the needs of about 97 percent of healthy
people. They can be obtained from food,
mineral supplements, and food products that
have been fortified with extra minerals.
Cont’d
A deficiency often happens slowly over time
and can be caused by a number of reasons
such as:
An increased need for the mineral, lack of the
mineral in the diet, or difficulty absorbing the
mineral from food
Mineral deficiencies can lead to a variety of
health problems, such as weak bones, fatigue,
or a decreased immune system.
What causes mineral deficiency?
One major cause of mineral deficiency is simply
not getting enough essential minerals from food
or supplements. There are different types of diets
that might result in this deficiency. A poor diet
that relies on junk food, or a diet that lacks
adequate fruits and vegetables can be possible
causes.
Alternately a very low-calorie diet may produce
this deficiency. This includes people in weight-loss
programs or with eating disorders. Older adults
with poor appetites may also not get enough
calories or nutrients in their diet.
Cont’d
Restricted diets may also cause one to have a
mineral deficiency. Vegetarians, vegans, and
people with food allergies or lactose
intolerance might experience mineral
deficiency if they fail to manage their diet
effectively.
Difficulty with digestion of food or absorption
of nutrients can result in mineral deficiency.
Potential causes of these difficulties include:
Cont’d
diseases of the liver, gallbladder, intestine,
pancreas, or kidney
surgery of the digestive tract
chronic alcoholism
medications such as antacids, antibiotics,
laxatives, and diuretics
Mineral deficiency can also result from an
increased need for certain minerals. Women,
for instance, may encounter this need during
pregnancy, heavy menstruation, and post
menopause.
What are the symptoms of mineral
deficiency?
The symptoms of a mineral deficiency depend
upon which nutrient the body lacks. Possible
symptoms include:
constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain
decreased immune system
diarrhea
irregular heart beat
loss of appetite
muscle cramping
CONT’D
nausea and vomiting
numbness or tingling in the extremities
poor concentration
slow social or mental development in children
weakness or tiredness
Diagnoses of mineral deficiency
Medical history, including symptoms and
family history of diseases
Physical exam
Review of the diet and eating habits
Routine blood tests, such as complete blood
count (CBC) and a measurement of
electrolytes (minerals) in the blood
Other tests to identify other underlying
conditions
Management of mineral deficiency
The treatment for a mineral deficiency depends
upon the type and the severity of the deficiency.
Underlying conditions are also a factor.
This can include treatment for other diseases or a
change in medication.
Dietary changes
Supplements
A change in eating habits may help if one has a
minor mineral deficiency. People with anemia due
to a lack of iron in the diet, may be asked to eat
more meat, poultry, eggs, and iron-fortified cereals.
Calcium deficiency
Calcium is needed for strong bones and
teeth. It also supports proper function of the
blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and
hormones.
Natural sources of calcium include milk,
yogurt, cheese, and small fish with bones,
beans, and peas.
Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and
Chinese cabbage also provide calcium. Some
foods are also fortified with the mineral,
including tofu, cereals, and juices.
CONT’D
A calcium deficiency produces few obvious
symptoms in the short term. That’s because the
body carefully regulates the amount of calcium in
the blood. Lack of calcium over the long term can
lead to decreased bone mineral density called
osteopenia. If left untreated that can turn to
osteoporosis. This increases the risk of bone
fractures, especially in older adults.
Severe calcium deficiency is usually caused by
medical problems or treatments, such as
medications (like diuretics), surgery to remove the
stomach, or kidney failure.
CONT’D
Symptoms of a severe deficiency include:
cramping of the muscles
numbness
tingling in the fingers
fatigue
poor appetite
irregular heart rhythms
Iron deficiency
More than half of the iron in your body is in
red blood cells. Iron is an important part of
hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to
your tissues. It’s also a part of other proteins
and enzymes that keep your body healthy.
The best sources of iron are meat, poultry, or
fish. Plant-based foods such as beans or
lentils are also good sources.
Cont’d
Iron deficiency develops slowly and can cause
anemia. It’s considered uncommon in the United
States and in people with healthy diets.
But, the World Health Organization estimated in a
report that iron deficiency causes approximately
half of all anemia cases worldwide.
The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include
feeling weak and tired.
One may be performing poorly at work or school.
Children may exhibit signs through slow social
and cognitive development.
Magnesium deficiency
The body needs magnesium for hundreds of
chemical reactions. These include responses
that control blood glucose levels and blood
pressure. Proper function of muscles and
nerves, brain function, energy metabolism,
and protein production are also controlled by
magnesium. Roughly 60 percent of the body’s
magnesium resides in the bones while nearly
40 percent resides in muscle and soft tissue
cells.
Cont’d
Good sources of magnesium include:
legumes
nuts
seeds
whole grains
green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
Cont’d
 Magnesium deficiency is uncommon in healthy people.
The kidneys can keep magnesium from leaving the body
through the urine. Still, certain medications and chronic
health conditions like alcoholism may cause magnesium
deficiency. Magnesium needs are also highly influenced
by the presence of disease. In this situation, the RDA for
magnesium may not be sufficient for some individuals.
Early signs of magnesium deficiency include:
 fatigue
 weakness
 loss of appetite
 nausea
 vomiting
Cont’d
Magnesium deficiency can lead to the
following symptoms if left untreated:
numbness
tingling
muscle cramps
seizures
abnormal rhythms of the heart
Potassium deficiency
Potassium is a mineral that functions as an electrolyte.
It’s required for muscle contraction, proper heart
function, and the transmission of nerve signals. It’s also
needed by a few enzymes, including one that helps the
body turn carbohydrates into energy. The best sources
of potassium are fruits and vegetables, such as
bananas, avocado, dark leafy greens, beets, potatoes,
and plums. Other good sources include orange juice
and nuts.
The most common cause of potassium deficiency is
excessive fluid loss. Examples can include extended
vomiting, kidney disease, or the use of certain
medications such as diuretics.
Cont’d
Symptoms of potassium deficiency include
muscle cramping and weakness.
Other symptoms show up as constipation,
bloating, or abdominal pain caused by
paralysis of the intestines.
Severe potassium deficiency can cause
paralysis of the muscles or irregular heart
rhythms that may lead to death.
Zinc deficiency
Zinc plays a role in many aspects of the body’s
metabolism. These include:
protein synthesis
immune system function
wound healing
DNA synthesis
It’s also important for proper growth and
development during pregnancy, childhood,
and adolescence. Zinc is found in animal
products like oysters, red meat, and poultry.
CONT’D
Other good sources of zinc include:
beans
nuts
whole grains
dairy products
Zinc deficiency can cause loss of appetite, taste or
smell. Decreased function of the immune system
and slowed growth are other symptoms.
Severe deficiency can also cause diarrhea, loss of
hair, and impotence. It can also prolong the
process that the body takes heals wounds.
END OF PRESENTATION
QUESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS