The Benefits and Uses of Sage in Herbal Medicine
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Malnutrition is a health condition that arises from an imbalance in nutrient intake. It can manifest in two primary ways: undernutrition, resulting from inadequate nutrient intake, and overnutrition, which is associated with excessive nutrient intake. In this blog post, we will focus on undernutrition, its causes, and its implications.
Undernutrition occurs when the body fails to receive sufficient nutrients, leading to various health issues. It's a misconception that undernutrition is a problem confined to less developed regions; it is, in fact, a global issue affecting individuals in developed countries as well.
Undernutrition can arise from various factors such as inadequate nutritional intake, increased energy expenditure, or a failure to absorb nutrients properly. When fasting extends beyond 24 hours, the body begins to use muscle proteins for energy, leading to a reduction in muscle mass, weakness, and apathy. There is also a significant reduction in plasma proteins, leading to generalized edema, a condition characterized by an excess of fluid in the body's interstitial spaces.
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a form of malnutrition resulting from a severe reduction in protein and calorie intake. It manifests in two primary forms: Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.
Kwashiorkor is often linked to diets rich in carbohydrates but extremely poor in proteins. It is characterized by a swollen abdomen caused by edema, hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), skin depigmentation, growth retardation, muscle weakness, and facial swelling. The mortality rate associated with Kwashiorkor can reach 30-60%.
Marasmus, on the other hand, is a result of the body's adaptation to malnutrition supported by both protein and caloric deprivation. The body reacts to the poor energy intake by exploiting all the energy reserves at its disposal, including the essential ones. This condition is characterized by an extreme loss of adipose and muscle tissue, leading to dry skin, hypothermia, muscle atrophy, irritability, and stunted growth.
Malnutrition can also be linked to a deficit in the intake of micronutrients, including water, mineral salts, and vitamins. Insufficient intake of vitamins in the diet leads to a condition known as hypovitaminosis. This deficit can be due to an absolute nutritional deficiency, increased needs, or digestive tract pathologies.
Below is a summary of some vitamins, their sources, and the clinical effects of their deficiency: