Malnutrition is the condition that results from taking an unbalanced diet where certain nutrients are lacking, in excess (too high an intake) or in the wrong proportions.
Conditions that arise from malnutrition include:
Obesity
- Amount of nutrients taken in by the body exceeds the amount of nutrients required.
- The body accumulates the excess nutrients in the form of fats within the body resulting in obesity.
Anaemia
- Condition arise due to insufficient intake of iron that results in the body to produce insufficient red blood cells.
- This affects the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen gas round the body.
Kwashiokor
- Caused by childhood inadequate intake of proteins.
- Symptoms include swollen skin of the hands and feet, a large belly, irritability, hair discoloration.