Malnutrition mineral deficiencies

Malnutrition is a common problem worldwide, and in developed countries it is associated particularly with poverty and alcoholism. It is also encountered among patients in hospital. Various studies have shown that patients may have evidence. m)l only of protein-calorie malnutrition, but also of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially after major surgery or chronic illness. 

Mr. Veere s malnourished state was reflected in his admission laboratory profile. The results of hematologic studies were consistent with an iron deficiency anemia complicated by low levels of folic acid and vitamin Bi2, two vitamins that can affect the development of normal red blood cells. His low serum albumin level was caused by insufficient protein intake and a shortage of essential amino acids, which result in a reduced ability to synthesize body proteins. The psychiatrist requested a consultation with a hospital dietician to evaluate the extent of Mr. Veere s marasmus (malnutrition caused by a deficiency of both protein and total calories) as well as his vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 

DIAGNOSIS OF MINERAL DEFICIENCIES. There are various degrees of mineral deficiencies, ranging from a mild depletion of the body s stores of the mineralfs), to severe clinical disorders which may result in disability or even death. Hence, it may be possible to improve health and increase longevity if mineral malnutrition is detected early by means such as those which follow ... 

Much of the information which has been published on the effect of malnutrition on human immune function comes from studies on this small pool of severely malnourished individuals where variations exist in the degree of PCM, the initiation of therapy, the inclusion of suitable controls and lack of data on specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies. As Edelman has pointed out there are imposed on these biochemical variables cultural, socioeconomic and hormonal conditions which all interact to modulate the human immune response (Edelman, 1977... 

Medical personnel who work in affluent areas are unlikely to see large numbers of people with vitamin deficiency diseases. However, certain groups of the population are particularly at risk, such as low-income families and chronically ill patients. The classic symptoms of any vitamin deficiency disease as observed in laboratory animals are often blurred in humans. The clinical picture is often complicated by deficiencies of other vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein and by infections and parasite infestations, which usually accompany longstanding malnutrition. Biochemical, physiological, and behavioral changes can occur in the marginal deficiency state without or before the appearance of more specific symptoms. Since the nonspecificity of these changes makes them difficult to detail, this section focuses on the symptoms associated with individual vitamin deficiency diseases. 

Selenium sulfide is used as an antiseborrheic agent and as a shampoo in the treatment of Tinea versicolor. Selenite is also found in mineral supplements and is used in parenteral nutrition. However, selenium has gained undeserved popularity as a constituent of health foods and alternative tonics, perhaps because selenium deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of some forms of malnutrition in children. However, even in children with selenium deficiency the benefit to harm balance has not been estabhshed. Indeed, in protein deficiency it seems to be particularly toxic. Nor is there any serious basis for its reputation as a remedy for cystic fibrosis, to prevent aging, or as a sexual stimulant. 

The development, maintenance, and optimal functioning of the immune system are dependent on balanced and adequate nutrition. However, either a deficiency or an excess of a number of nutrients can have adverse effects. The nutrients with the most pronounced effects in humans include amount and type of dietary fatty acids (FAs), protein energy malnutrition, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and E, and minerals including zinc, copper, selenium, and iron. Multiple rather than single nutrient deficiencies... 

No requirement for boron in mammals is proven, although evidence is accumulating suggesting that boron may be an essential nutrient. Boron is related to normal energy utilization, immune function, and metabolism of bone, minerals, and lipids. Boron deficiency (<0.04 mg B/kg ration of dams) impairs early embryonic development in rodents these effects were not observed at 2.0 mg B/kg ration. Boron deprivation in animals and humans results in decreased brain electrical activity similar to that observed in nonspecific malnutrition, and reduced cognitive and psychomotor function. Learning performance (manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, memory, attention, perception) in humans was... 

A good average diet should supply these without difficulty but some mineral constituents are inefficiently absorbed. The minerals which are nutritionally of most importance because their intake may be less than the requirements are calcium, iron, iodine and fluorine. However, defective absorption, resulting from general malnutrition or a variety of other causes, may be responsible for secondary deficiences of substances present in the diet in adequate amounts. 

The terms protein—energy malnutrition and protein—energy deficiency are widely used to mean a general lack of food, as opposed to specific deficiencies of vitamins or minerals... 

Stresses—Various stressful conditions, such as malnutrition and loss of blood, have long been known to impair the body s utilization of sugars, or even to bring on diabetes. Likewise, it seems that the chromium needs of the body become more critical under such conditions. Eor example, studies on animals have shown that the effects of (1) low-protein diets accompanied by controlled exercise, and (2) the withdrawal of measured amounts of blood were more severe in the chromium-deficient groups than in those given supplements containing the mineral. 

Some scientists suggest that there may be widespread sub-clinical malnutrition due to deficiencies of the trace elements, like chromium and selenium, which are removed during the refining of grains and other foods. When the refined foods comprise much of the diet, it may be necessary either to enrich them with the missing elements or to provide some type of mineral supplement. 

Malnutrition Around the World Causes of Malnutrition Consequences of Malnutrition Common Types of Malnutrition Energy-Protein Malnutrition Deficiencies of Minerals or Vitamins Disorders of Nutrient Utilization Signs of Malnutrition... 

Lack of stomach acid—Older people may have a deficiency of stomach acid. This may contribute to mineral malnutrition because acid is needed to offset the alkalinity of bile and pancreatic juice which tends to reduce the absorption of certain minerals. 

Special Dietary Products. The use of special foods and mineral supplements may be justified when it appears that the diet is deficient in certain essential elements. Ordinary diets may not suffice to meet mineral needs under circumstances such as (1) pregnancy (2) breast feeding of infants (3) illnesses which depress the appetite (4) types of malnutrition that require rapid restoration of the body s supply of certain minerals these conditions require the attention of physicians who are proficient in nutritionai therapy) (5) sharp restrictions in caloric intake in order to achieve rapid reduction in body weight or (6) shortages of wholesome, nutritious foods. 

Compared to Irish potatoes, tannia tubers furnish about twice as many calories, the same amount of protein, and less than half as much vitamin C. The protein to calorie ratio (1.6 g per 100 kcal) of the tubers is barely high enough to meet the protein requirements of adults. So, children fed a tannia-rich diet are likely to develop protein-energy malnutrition unless they are given supplemental protein foods in their diets. Finally, tannia tubers are deficient in many vitamins and minerals. 

Potassium Depletion. Deficiencies of potassium rarely result from dietary lack of the mineral. Potassium is lost whenever muscle is broken down owing to starvation, malnutrition, or injury since it is tied to protein inside cells. Crash diets, diarrhea, vomiting, geistric suction, diabetic acidosis, and burns also induce potassium loss from the body. Also lean tissue growth increases the need for potassium. A potassium-depleted individual may display irregular heart function, muscle weakness, irritability, paralysis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and swollen abdomen. 

In contrast to experimental malnutrition in animals, in which single nutrient deficiencies can be produced almost at will, human malnutrition is nearly always a mixture of abberations of different dietary constituents. Human PEM is in fact a mosaic of alterations in not only protein and energy nutriture, but in vitamin, mineral, and trace element balance as well. The problem is made even more complex by the impact of distinctive dietary intake patterns around the world, by the almost certain influence of genetics on cell function and response to stress of various kinds, and by the effect... 

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