5 common nutrition related diseases

      

 

Nutrition-related diseases are diseases that occur from the inadequate or excessive intake of some nutrients in food. 

 

Some diseases that occur from excessive intake of some nutrients include; obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. 

 

Diseases that occur from inadequate intake of nutrients include; osteoporosis, xerophthalmia, pellagra, scurvy, protein-energy malnutrition, etc. 

 

Having an understanding of some of these diseases will help you protect yourselves from them. In this blog post, we would be discussing five nutrition-related diseases with their causes, treatment, and prevention. Let's dive in.

 

1. Protein-Energy Malnutrition(PEM)

 

Protein Energy Malnutrition or protein energy undernutrition is a disease that occurs from the lack of either or both protein or calorie in the diet. It is also defined as the lack of all the macronutrients in different proportions in the diet.

This disease mainly affects young children. It occurs in different forms which include:

Marasmus, Kwashiorkor and Marasmic kwashiorkor. 

Causes of PEM

● Inadequate intake of foods rich in macro and micronutrients.

● Early cessation of breastfeeding. 

● Gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea or malabsorption. 

● Drugs that interfere with or inhibit nutrient absorption in the body 

● Inadequate nutrition education.

 

Prevention of PEM

● Promote breastfeeding among mothers. 

● Improved access to food in rural communities.

● Access to clean water to prevent diarrhea.

● Educate the public about healthy nutrition and nutrition choices. 

● Food fortification.

Treatment of PEM

● All severe cases should be admitted to the hospital for treatment.

● High protein and or high-calorie foods such as skimmed milk or peanut butter are ideal for treatment.

● Treatment of other infections with antibiotics to prevent further complications 

● In the cases, where anemia occurs, a blood transfusion may be given. 

● Supplements should be administered to prevent micronutrient deficiency.

 

2. Scurvy 

 

Scurvy is a nutrition-related disease that occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the body. Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissues. In scurvy, the walls of the capillaries lack solidity and become fragile resulting in hemorrhage from various sites. 

 

It was common among sailors who spent a long time at sea and whose diets consisted mainly of preserved foods. Scurvy is a rare disease today.

Cause of scurvy

● Scurvy is caused by the lack of vitamin C in the diet. 

Treatment of Scurvy

● Patients should be put on a diet containing lots of fruits and vegetables or vitamin C supplements.

● Treatment of any underlying condition that might have contributed to the deficiency.

● Ascorbic acid injection should be given if the patient is vomiting and is also useful for the treatment of infants. 

Prevention of Scurvy

Scurvy is prevented by:

● Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin C in diet (vitamin C can be gotten from citrus fruits and some vegetables ). The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 75-90 mg but a higher amount is required in pregnant women and smokers.

● Proper preparation and storage of foods to minimize the loss of vitamin C. 

● Avoid smoking as they decrease the absorption of vitamin C in the body. 

 

3. Pellagra 

 

 

Pellagra is a nutrition-related disease that occurs due to the dietary deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) and or tryptophan(an amino acid that can be converted to niacin in the body). It is common in areas where their diet consists mainly of maize because maize has no tryptophan but consists of zein instead.

Causes of Pellagra

● A poor diet lacking niacin or tryptophan. 

● Excessive consumption of alcohol can interfere with niacin absorption in the body thereby increasing the risk of developing pellagra. 

● Lack of access to a variety of nutritious food containing niacin or tryptophan. 

● Some medications can impair the absorption of niacin in the body. Medications Such as those used in the treatment of tuberculosis. 

● Medical conditions that increase the body's niacin requirements such as; cancer, and HIV/AIDS. 

Treatment of Pellagra

● Increase in the consumption of niacin-rich foods if the cause of pellagra is a nutritional deficiency. Examples of such foods are; meat, fish, nuts, and whole grains. 

● Intravenous administration of niacin in severe cases. 

● Treating any underlying conditions that might have caused or contributed to the deficiency like alcoholism.

Prevention of Pellagra

Pellagra can be prevented by:

● Adding niacin to staple foods. 

● Consuming tryptophan-rich foods. 

● Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. 

● Educating people on diseases. 

● Taking vitamin supplements (vitamin B complex)

 

 

4. Xerophthalmia 

This is a medical condition used to describe an eye condition caused by vitamin A deficiency, which is characterized by abnormal drying of the conductive and cornea of the eye, with inflammation and ride formation. It is the psychological dryness of the eye which robs it of its normal epithelial protection. It can lead to blindness if not treated. 

Causes of  Xerophthalmia

● Inadequate intake of vitamin A-rich foods. 

● Exposure to dusty or dry environments

● Excessive alcohol intake can impair the absorption of vitamin A in the body. 

● Liver disease can affect the body's ability to maintain adequate levels of vitamin A for the liver is responsible for the storage and release of vitamin A. 

● Some medical conditions can interfere with the absorption of vitamin A. Conditions like celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. 

● Certain autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome.

Treatment of  Xerophthalmia

● Intake of vitamin A-rich foods and or supplements. 

● Eye drops may be administered to relieve dryness and irritation in the eye. 

Prevention of  Xerophthalmia

Xerophthalmia can be prevented through; 

● Consuming foods rich in vitamin A example; carrots, cheese, eggs, and milk. 

● vaccination for measles since measles infection can deplete the body's vitamin A. 

 

5. Obesity

          

 It is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, by an imbalance between caloric intake and expenditure of energy that increases the risk of developing health problems. It is defined as having a BMI of 30 and above.

 

Causes of Obesity

● A diet high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. 

● A sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity can decrease energy expenditure and contribute to excessive weight gain. 

● Genetics can predispose one to obesity. 

● Underlying healthy conditions like Cushing's syndrome, underactive thyroid gland, etc.

● Environmental factors such as access to healthy food choices can cause obesity. 

Treatment  of Obesity

● Therapeutic diet that provides all necessary nutrients in sufficient amounts but restricted in caloric content. 

● Increase in physical activity can help increase weight loss. 

● Salt restriction is useful in obese patients with a tendency to have excessive fluid retention. 

● Use of appetite-depressant drugs. 

● Exercise is an important factor in realistic weight reduction. 

Prevention of Obesity

Obesity can be prevented by;

 

● Healthy eating: Eating a balanced diet low on processed foods and unhealthy fats.

● Engaging in exercise regularly can help burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. 

● Getting adequate sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy weight.

● Support from loved ones following weight loss can help prevent a return to previous weight levels.

● Feed growing children appropriate food in the right proportion. 

● Incorporate fun and exciting physical activities into your daily routine. 

 

Conclusion 

Some of the diseases that afflict man are nutrition related. Nutrition-related diseases have serious consequences and therefore you must protect yourself and your loved ones. The only way to do this is by having a proper understanding of them.

 

The five common nutrition-related diseases are:

● Protein-energy malnutrition 

● Scurvy 

● Pellagra 

● Xerophthalmia and

● Obesity

 

Seek help from a medical professional on the occurrence of any of the discussed diseases.