To explain what malnutrition is

To explain the effects of malnutrition using

examples
To describe ways to reduce the chance of
contracting certain health problems due to ones
diet
To describe ways to reduce the effects of certain
health problem
Malnutrition and Its Effects
Malnutrition : lack of one or more of the
nutrients required in the diet to maintain
good health

Can be caused by :
A reduced intake of nutrients
(undernourishment)
An inability to use absorbed nutrients
The failure to meet a required increase in
nutrient intake
Nutrient loses
3 stages to provide energy in cases of
malnutrition :
The carbohydrate stores in the body are used up
The fat reserves are oxidised
Proteins are broken down. When protein levels
have been reduced to half their normal value,
death will occur

Lack of any nutrient can cause deficiency
diseases
Nutrients Effects of
deficiency
Characteristics
Proteins Kwashiorkor Stomach bloated, growth of
body and brain retarded,
no appetite for food, weak
body
Vitamin A Night blindness
Xerophthalmia
poor night vision
cornea dry & opaque
Vitamin B
1
Beri-beri Swollen legs & ankles,
numbness in hands,
muscular pain & cramps,
fatigue, loss of appetite
Vitamin B
3
Pellagra Dermatitis (skin becomes
red & inflamed), diarrhoea
& mental disorder
Vitamin B12
Iron
Anaemia Lack of RBC or haemoglobin
to transport oxygen
Vitamin C Scurvy Bleeding gums, bruise skin,
painful & swollen joints,
weakness
Vitamin D
Calcium
Rickets
Osteoporosis
Stunted growth of bones &
teeth, weak bones
Brittle bones which easily
broken
Iodine Goitre
Cretinism
Enlarge thyroid glands
Physical & mental growth
retarded
Sodium Muscular cramps Sudden & painful contraction
of muscles
Effects of Excessive Intake of
Certain Nutrients on Health
Nutrient Effects Characteristics
Carbohydrates
(sugar)
Obesity which may lead
to high blood pressure,
diabetes mellitus, heart
diseases
Dental caries
Body weight is more than
20% of the suitable body
weight for a particular height
Tooth decay due to the
destruction of the teeths
enamel by acids which are
produced by bacteria from
carbohydrate
Lipids Atherosclerosis (as a result
of saturated animal fats)
The narrowing & hardening
of arteries
Proteins Gout
Stones in the kidney which
can damage the kidney
Excessive uric acid
deposits on the joints
causing joint pain
Uric acid crystalises &
forms stones in the
kidney
Vitamin A Liver damage The liver fails to function
because liver cells die &
fibrous tissues form in the
liver
Sodium High blood pressure
Kidney damage
Fatigue, headache, can
cause bleeding in the
brain (stroke) & heart
failure
Kidneys are overloaded
with the task of removing
excess salt
Calcium Atherosclerosis Calcium deposits on
the inner walls of
arteries causing the
arteries to harden &
lose their elasticity
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Excessive intake of food that is rich in saturated fat,
cholesterol & calcium leads to atherosclerosis & high
blood pressure.

The saturated fats, cholesterol & calcium are
deposited on the inner walls of arteries. The lumen
become smaller & the walls of the arteries harden &
lose their elasticity. Blood flow is reduced. the
heart pump faster to produce a higher pressure
Also can cause by excessive intake of salts, tea
& coffee which can increase the rate of heart
beat, thus increasing the blood pressure.

Ways to reduce the risk of HBP :
Reduce the intake of food which are rich in saturated
fats & cholesterol
Exercise frequently
Reduce the intake of salts in food, as well as tea &
coffee
Do not smoke
Have enough rest
DIABETES MELLITUS
Caused by excessive glucose in the blood & its subsequent
excretion in the urine

Excessive intake of food rich in sugar (carbohydrates) can
cause diabetes mellitus

Obesity can also lead to DM

The risk of DM can be reduced by :
Reduce the intake of food rich in sugar
Exercise frequently
DIET-RELATED DISEASE
OSTEOPOROSIS
Due to the lack of calcium, phosphorus &
vitamin D in the diet of an adult
Low density of the bone mass & the bones
become thin & brittle, easily broken
The risk of contracting osteoporosis can be
reduced in the following ways :
Intake of food rich in calcium, phosphorus & vitamin
D
Exercise frequently
Kwashiokor
1. Explain what is malnutrition.
2. Explain the effects of malnutrition
using examples.
3. Describe ways to reduce the effects of
certain health problems.