Malnutrition
Introduction
Nutrition plays a vital role in one’s health as the body requires balanced energy and nutrients for survival and maintaining good health. A balanced diet comprises six different food components, including fats, vitamins, proteins, fiber, carbohydrates, and minerals. These components are needed in various amounts depending on age, gender, health conditions, among other factors. Taking the energy and nutrients on low or excess amounts may adversely affect one’s health, thus fall under the category of malnutrition. Malnutrition remains to be a global challenge in most middle and low-income countries, especially South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that over ten million under-five children die annually globally, whereby children under five in Africa account for 41% and south Asian under five at 34%.
Malnutrition can also be referred to as undernutrition results from lack of nutrients, which may result from poor absorption of nutrients from food or poor diet. Some health conditions, such as eating disorder like anorexia, mental health conditions like schizophrenia or depression, affects one’s mood and desire to eat. Other physical and social factors such as poverty, illiteracy, or ignorance, as well as lack of knowledge about nutrition, may contribute to malnutrition. However, the condition can be managed using various ways depending on the underlying cause as well as the extent of malnourishment in an individual. Malnutrition among children can be managed through intake of calories as well as vitamin, iron as well as folate supplements. Besides, dietary changes involving taking foods high in nutrients and energy or treating underlying medical conditions that cause malnutrition can be used. Conclusively, malnutrition remains to be a global menace, mostly affecting individuals of middle and low income.
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