Got Food? - the Scientia Review

Diseases Caused as a Result of Malnutrition
As malnutrition becomes widespread across an area, multiple diseases become prominent shortly
after. Without the correct amount of nutrients, conditions develop because of a lack of vitamins, minerals,
and/or amino acids. Malnutrition causes myriad physical detriments; however, the onslaught of disease
results in further complications to the human body.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin D deficiency is found in all areas of the world. This condition can lead to further damage
such as rickets and osteoporosis. According to Saunders et al. (2011), ―the etiology of vitamin D
deficiency is multifactorial and heavily dependent on non-dietary determinants such as limited sun
exposure (protective or religious clothing, moving to temperate climates, and the tradition of keeping
infants indoors), increased skin pigmentation, reduced in-utero exposure, and reduced capacity to
synthesize vitamin D with increasing age.‖ Those with dark skin, pregnant or nursing women, those
living in mild climates, the elderly, and those with conditions such as celiac disease are particularly at risk
(Saunders et al. 2011).
Rickets is caused by poor diet and lack of fresh air and sunshine. The main cause is a deficiency
in Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. Without enough of these minerals in the blood, the body removes
stored minerals from the bone. This, in turn, weakens bone structure. Common symptoms are skeletal
deformities such as bowed legs, bent spin, pelvic deformities, fragile bones, stunted growth, bone pain,
and muscle fatigue. Children usually stop growing, and adults develop osteoporosis. Rickets is still found
in the US. In fact, it seems to be reappearing in many areas. In October 2008, American Academy of
Pediatrics doubled the recommended amount of vitamin D for infants and children. It can be produced
when in direct sunlight; however, it can also be obtained through fish, milk, fortified cereal, and eggs
(Jackson, 2008).
Vitamin A deficiency is not commonly seen in developed countries but is relatively common in
refugee populations. It is the primary cause for blindness in children and approximately 500,000 lose their
sight annually. Vitamin A deficiency creates a myriad of visual changes that can include loss of night
vision, Bitot spots, which according to Saunders, Smith, and Stroud (2011), are ―areas of abnormal
squamous cell proliferation and keratinization of the conjunctiva, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, corneal
perforation, and permanent blindness.‖ It also retards bone growth as well as produces dry skin, fragile
hair, and weakened humoral and cell-mediated immune response.
Deficiency in Vitamin B12 occurs when animal products cease to be consumed in addition to
inability to absorb the nutrient (i.e. intrinsic factor deficiency) and malabsorption (which may be called by
the presence of Helicobacter pylori). Fatigue, unproductivity, memory loss, irritability, and depression are
often symptoms that are not recognized as official but are associated with it. Essentially, this deficiency
affects neurological functions. Other symptoms include weakness, numb extremities, inability to smell,
imbalance, and in the most severe instances, degeneration of the spinal cord.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid deficiency occurs in individuals with malnutrition, alcoholism, or
diets that exclude fruits and vegetables. The symptom is also known as scurvy and results in stunted
collagen synthesis. Ecchymoses, petechiae, bleeding gums, hyperkeratosis, and difficulty in healing
wounds may occur as well as fatigue, malaise, pain in the joints, edema, anxiety, and neuropathy.
Thiamine (vitamin B1) assists in energy metabolism and assembling tissues. Deficiency occurs
from lack of intake (such a excessive consumption of milled rice), sudden difference in metabolism
(fever, pregnancy, liver disease, hyperthyroidism), severe diarrhea, or ingestion of food with anti-
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