TYPES OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

Healthy eating is the key ingredient to healthy living, especially in today’s times. Nutrient deficiencies alter bodily functions, the limited secretion of the digestive juices which hinder digestion, immunity level of the body and all body processes at the most basic cellular level.

Nutrient deficiencies of many minerals and vitamins can also lead to multiple diseases in the body.

Listed below are a few nutritional deficiencies which may develop within you due to limited intake:

Calcium and Musculo-skeletal System

It is one of the key nutrients required for bone density and to ensure strong & healthy bones. Lack of calcium can lead to falls, easy breaks & lower mobility. Make sure you consume atleast 2-3 servings of milk and milk products or may be pumpkin seeds.

A low calcium intake during childhood during the adolescent growth spurt, may predispose one to osteoporosis, a disease characterized by reduced bone mass, later in life specially amongst women.

Iron Is Necessary for Oxygen-Rich Blood

Iron, an essential nutrient that helps in producing red blood cells and which carry oxygen throughout your body. When it gets too low, there may be a deficiency of red blood cells, and thus can lead to a condition called anemia.

In childhood, iron deficiency can affect behavior and learning ability and reflect growth and development of the body. Severe anemia increases the risk of pregnancy complications and maternal death.

Magnesium- A Booster to Energy Level 

This mineral deficiency can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness.

Severe cases maybe numbness, muscle cramps, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, personality changes or low potassium/ calcium levels.

Protein-energy malnutrition

PEM has two ends of the deficiencies, at one end of the continuum is kwashiorkor – characterized by a severe protein deficiency, and at the other is marasmus, severe malnutrition characterised by energy deficiency.