Balanced diet And

Malnutrition

Presented by Samrachana Bhattarai, Usha Darlami,

Parbat Chaudhary, Dipi Khatri & Samir Chaudhary
Introduction of Balanced Diet and
Recommendation of Dietary and Allowances
(RDA)
 A balanced diet and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) are
fundamental concepts in nutrition that play crucial roles in promoting health
and well-being across populations. Here’s an introduction to these concepts:
 Balanced Diet : A balanced diet refers to consuming a variety of foods that
provide essential nutrients in appropriate proportions to maintain optimal
health.
 RDA : Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) are nutrient intake levels
established by health authorities, such as the Food and Nutrition Board of the
National Academy of Sciences, to meet the needs of nearly all healthy
individuals in a specific age and sex group.
Factor affecting the balance diet and RDA

 Age : The nutritional needs throughout the lifecycle is new born baby to old
age, with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors having different
requirements.
 Activity Level : Active individuals generally require more calories and specific
nutrients compared to individuals who are less active.
 Climate and Environment : Environmental factors such as temperature and
altitude, can also affect energy requirements and fluid needs.
 Food Processing and Preparation : Food processing methods can also affect
nutrient content. For example, cooking can alter the nutrient profile of foods.
 Health Status : Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension,
may require specific dietary modifications.
Significance of RDA and Balance diet
 Meeting Nutrient Needs: RDA provide guidelines on the amount of essential
nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats) that
are needed daily to maintain health and prevent deficiencies.
 Optimizing Physical and Mental Performance: Adequate nutrition to the
body supports physical performance, cognitive function and overall mental
well-being. It provides the energy and nutrients necessary for daily activities
and tasks.
 Supporting Immune Function: Proper nutrition strengthens the immune
system which play important role on helping the body defend against
infections and illnesses.
 Guidance for Dietary Planning: RDA serve as a practical tool for individuals,
healthcare provide and policymakers to plan and evaluate diets that meet
nutritional needs based on age, sex, and physiological status.
 Lifespan Health Benefits: Eating a balanced diet throughout life that based on
RDA guidelines contributes to long-term health benefits and improves quality
of life in older age.
General Introduction to Malnutrition

 Malnutrition refers to a condition where there is an imbalance between the

nutrients a person consumes and the nutrients their body needs for proper
growth, development, and functioning. It can occur due to various factors and
affects individuals across different age groups and socio-economic
backgrounds.
 There are two types of Malnutrition :
1. Undernutrition: This occurs when individuals do not consume enough
nutrients, leading to deficiencies in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Overnutrition: This refers to excessive intake of nutrients, often leading to
overweight or obesity. Overnutrition can result from consuming too many
calories, especially from high-fat and high-sugar foods, combined with
insufficient physical activity.
PEM and its types

 PEM stands for Protein-Energy Malnutrition, which is a type of malnutrition

characterized by a deficiency in both protein and energy (calories) intake. It
encompasses a spectrum of conditions where individuals do not consume
enough protein and calories to meet their body's needs for growth,
maintenance, and functioning. PEM primarily affects children in developing
countries but can occur in any population under conditions of inadequate
nutrition.
 There are two main types of PEM:
1. Kwashiorkor
2. Marasmus
Causes and Symptoms of Kwashiorkor

 Causes:
1. Dietary Factors: The primary cause of kwashiorkor is a low intake of
protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
2. Early Weaning: It often arises due to a sudden switch from breast milk to a
diet lacking in protein-rich foods.
3. Poverty: Limited access to nutritious foods and resources to provide a
balanced diet.
4. Food Insecurity: Inadequate availability and affordability of protein-rich
foods
5. Poor Sanitation: Hygiene-related factors that contribute to frequent
infections and nutrient loss.
6. Infections: Conditions that increase nutrient requirements (e.g., diarrhea,
malaria) or impair nutrient absorption can exacerbate Kwashiorkor.
 Symptoms:

1. Edema (Swelling): Swelling, particularly noticeable in the abdomen and

extremities (feet, ankles). This occurs due to fluid retention caused by protein
deficiency.
2. Growth Impairment: Children with Kwashiorkor may fail to grow at a
normal rate, leading to short stature and delayed development milestones.
3. Changes in Appetite and Behavior: Children may exhibit a reduced
interest in eating, which further exacerbates nutritional deficiencies.
4. Digestive and Immune System Symptoms: Frequent episodes of loose
stools can further deplete nutrient stores.
5. Anemia: Low levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells can develop due to
inadequate iron and other nutrients.
Causes and Symptoms of Marasmus

 Causes :

1. Inadequate Caloric Intake: Marasmus occurs when individuals consistently

consume too few calories to meet their body's energy requirements.
2. Insufficient Protein Intake: Although protein deficiency is also a
characteristic feature of Marasmus, it is less severe compared to Kwashiorkor.
3. Underlying Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses such as gastrointestinal
disorders, infections, or metabolic diseases that impair nutrient absorption or
increase energy requirements can contribute to Marasmus.
4. Economic and social factors such as inadequate healthcare, poor
sanitation, and lack of education on nutrition can also play a role.
 Symptoms:

1. Severe Weight Loss and Wasting: Marasmus is characterized by severe

wasting of muscle and fat tissues, leading to a skeletal appearance.
2. Growth Failure: Children with Marasmus experience significant growth
retardation and may fail to reach developmental milestones.
3. Weakness and Fatigue: Due to severe energy deficiency, individuals with
Marasmus often exhibit weakness, lethargy, and reduced physical activity.
4. Behavioral Changes: Children may be irritable, apathetic, or have
difficulty concentrating due to inadequate nutrient supply affecting brain
function.
5. Digestive Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea or constipation may occur,
affecting nutrient absorption and exacerbating malnutrition.
Micronutrient Deficiency Malnutrition

 Micronutrient deficiency malnutrition is also known simply as micronutrient

malnutrition or hidden hunger which refers to a condition where individuals
lack essential vitamins and minerals necessary for proper growth,
development, and overall health.
 Unlike protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), which primarily concerns
inadequate intake of calories and protein, micronutrient deficiency
malnutrition is characterized by specific shortages of essential micronutrients.
 Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency:

1. Inadequate Dietary Intake: Diets low in foods rich in preformed vitamin A

such as liver, dairy products, and eggs, or pro-vitamin A carotenoids found in
colorful fruits and vegetables (e.g., carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes).
2. Malabsorption: Conditions that affect the absorption of fats and fat-soluble
vitamins, such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and other gastrointestinal
disorders
3. Increased Nutrient Needs: Higher demands during pregnancy and
lactation, periods of rapid growth in children, or conditions that increase
metabolic demands (e.g., infections)
4. Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to
healthcare and nutrition education contribute to inadequate intake and
awareness of vitamin A-rich foods.
5. Underlying Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses or infections that increase
nutrient requirements or impair nutrient absorption and utilization.
 Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency:
1. Night Blindness: Difficulty seeing in low light conditions or at night, often
one of the earliest signs of vitamin A deficiency.
2. Xerophthalmia: Dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, which can progress
to more severe eye conditions if left untreated.
3. Hyperkeratosis: Thickening and dryness of the skin, especially on the
elbows and knees.
4. Stunted Growth: Particularly in children, vitamin A deficiency can impair
growth and delay development milestones.
5. Impaired Fertility: Vitamin A deficiency may affect reproductive health and
increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
6. Impaired Wound Healing: Slow healing of wounds and increased
susceptibility to complications from injuries.
 Causes of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)
1. Inadequate Dietary Intake: The primary cause of IDD is a diet lacking in
sufficient iodine-rich foods. Natural sources of iodine include iodized salt,
seafood, dairy products, and eggs.
2. Limited Access to Iodized Salt: Iodization of salt is a common public health
strategy to prevent iodine deficiency. However, populations without access to
iodized salt may be at higher risk of IDD
3. Pregnancy and Lactation: Increased iodine requirements during pregnancy
and lactation can exacerbate deficiency if dietary intake is insufficient to meet
these higher demands.
4. Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions such as soil depletion of
iodine and proximity to regions lacking access to iodine-rich foods contribute
to IDD prevalence
5. Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, limited access to healthcare, and
inadequate nutrition education can hinder efforts to address iodine deficiency
through dietary means or supplementation.
 Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)

1. Enlarged Thyroid Gland: The thyroid gland enlarges as it attempts to

compensate for inadequate iodine levels to produce thyroid hormones.
2. Goiter: Visible swelling in the neck is a common sign of endemic goiter,
particularly in regions with chronic iodine deficiency.
3. Underactive Thyroid Function: Insufficient iodine intake leads to decreased
production of thyroid hormones.
4. Hypothyroidism: Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, cold
intolerance, constipation, dry skin, and hair loss.
5. Maternal and Fetal Health Issues: Iodine deficiency during pregnancy
increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital abnormalities in the
baby, collectively known as iodine deficiency disorders in pregnancy (IDDP).
6. Infertility and Menstrual Irregularities: Iodine deficiency can affect
reproductive health, including infertility and menstrual irregularities in
women.
Thank You Have A Great Day !!