Nutrient Deficiencies & Excesses) Flashcards
Malnutrition
Malnutrition = imbalance of nutrients, can be from deficiency or excess.
Undernutrition
Undernutrition = insufficient intake of calories or nutrients.
Wasting
low weight for height (recent severe weight loss).
Stunting
Stunting = low height for age (chronic undernutrition).
Underweight
Underweight = low weight for age.
Micronutrient Malnutrition
Lack or excess of specific vitamins/minerals (e.g., Vitamin C, iron, etc.).
Overweight & Obesity
Often linked to poor diet and excess calorie intake, especially from processed/refined foods.
Carbohydrates
Type 2 Diabetes: Linked to overconsumption of refined carbs (like sugar and processed foods).
Refined carbs digest quickly, causing a spike in blood glucose.
This increases insulin demand, leading to insulin resistance and eventually wears out insulin-producing cells.
Proteins
If protein intake is too low, the body breaks down muscle to get the protein needed for vital functions (enzymes, immune system, hormones), leading to fatigue.
Types of Protein Malnutrition
Kwashiorkor and Marasmus
Kwashiorkor:
his happens when there’s enough food, but not enough protein. It mostly affects children and causes a swollen belly and slower growth.
Symptoms: Swollen belly, slow growth, increased infection risk.
Marasmus
This is when you don’t have enough protein or calories. It makes you look very thin and weak, with no fat or muscle left.
Results in emaciation, impaired immune system, and slow growth.
Vitamins & Minerals
-Scurvy: Caused by Vitamin C deficiency, leading to skin sores. On the rise in Canada.
-Nutritional Optic Neuropathy: Damage to the optic nerve due to nutrient deficiencies, affecting vision.
