Nutritional Disorders

Nutritional disorders refer to health conditions caused by an imbalance or deficiency of essential nutrients required for proper body function. These disorders can impact various organs and systems, often arising due to inadequate intake, poor absorption, or excessive nutrient loss.

Here are some common nutritional disorders:

• Malnutrition: Encompasses both undernutrition (nutrient deficiency) and overnutrition (excessive intake), leading to various health complications.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins (A, B12, C, D, E, K) may cause conditions like scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency), rickets (Vitamin D deficiency), and night blindness (Vitamin A deficiency).
• Mineral Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc can result in anemia (iron deficiency), osteoporosis (calcium deficiency), or muscle cramps (magnesium deficiency).
• Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM): Disorders like kwashiorkor and marasmus occur due to insufficient protein and calorie intake, leading to severe growth and developmental issues.
• Obesity: Resulting from excessive calorie intake combined with low physical activity, leading to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and joint problems.
• Eating Disorders: Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder involve extreme disturbances in eating behaviors, leading to severe health risks.
• Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD): A lack of iodine, essential for thyroid hormone production, can lead to goiter (thyroid gland enlargement) and cretinism (severe developmental delays).

The management of nutritional disorders often includes dietary improvements, supplementation, and medical supervision. Prevention focuses on balanced nutrition, education on healthy food choices, and addressing socioeconomic factors affecting food availability.