Diseases related to malnutrition
đź”´ Symptoms
- Reduced night vision (night blindness)
- Dry eyes (xerophthalmia)
- Eye inflammation, corneal ulcers
- Dryness of skin and mucous membranes
- Slowed growth in children
- Weakened immune system
- Frequent respiratory or digestive infections
đź’Š Treatment
- Vitamin A supplementation in capsule or syrup form
- Diet enriched with vitamin A (liver, eggs, carrots, mango, green vegetables)
- Medical follow-up for children or pregnant women
- Treatment of ocular complications if present
- Inclusion of vitamin A in public health programs (mass distribution)
đź“Ś Summary
Definition: Vitamin deficiencies refer to an insufficient intake or absorption of certain essential vitamins necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Vitamin A deficiency, for example, can lead to night blindness, increased vulnerability to infections, and growth retardation.
Affected population: Mainly children under 5 years old and pregnant women in low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Common causes: Malnutrition, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without supplementation, unbalanced diets, digestive disorders affecting nutrient absorption, poverty, and limited access to fortified foods.
🛡️ Prevention
- Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin A
- Preventive supplementation for children under 5 years in at-risk areas
- Exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months
- Nutritional education in rural communities
- Combined vaccination and supplementation programs
- Nutritional monitoring of vulnerable populations
Childhood malnutrition
đź”´ Symptoms
- Significant weight loss or insufficient growth
- Extreme thinness (marasmus) or swelling of the belly and face (kwashiorkor)
- Dry, cracked skin or skin lesions
- Dull, brittle, or discolored hair
- General weakness, persistent fatigue
- Irritability or apathy
- Delay in psychomotor development
- Weakened immune system (frequent infections)
đź’Š Treatment
- Immediate nutritional intake with ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF)
- Oral rehydration and management of associated infections
- Supplementation with essential vitamins and minerals
- Medical follow-up and monitoring of weight and height
- Nutritional support for the mother and child
- Hospital care in cases of severe acute malnutrition
đź“Ś Summary
Definition: Child malnutrition refers to a pathological state in children caused by insufficient or unbalanced nutritional intake. It includes undernutrition (low weight, growth retardation, wasting) as well as deficiencies in essential micronutrients.
Population affected: Children under 5 years old, especially in developing countries, with high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and areas affected by humanitarian crises.
Common causes: Food insecurity, improper weaning, frequent infections (diarrhea, malaria), lack of breastfeeding, poverty, lack of nutritional education, natural disasters, armed conflicts.
🛡️ Prevention
- Exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months
- Introduction of nutritious complementary foods from 6 months
- Nutrition education for parents and communities
- Growth monitoring from an early age
- Access to clean water and sanitation
- Community programs for screening and food distribution
Obesity
đź”´ Symptoms
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30
- Excessive accumulation of body fat
- Shortness of breath during exertion or at rest
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain (knees, hips, back)
- Snoring, sleep apnea
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
- Increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases
đź’Š Treatment
- Dietary rebalancing with nutritional follow-up
- Regular physical activity adapted to the patient’s condition
- Behavioral therapy and psychological support
- Medications for obesity prescribed under medical supervision
- Bariatric surgery in cases of severe obesity (gastric band, bypass...)
- Regular follow-up by a multidisciplinary team
đź“Ś Summary
Definition: Obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat that poses a health risk. It is generally defined by a body mass index (BMI) over 30.
Affected Population: All age groups are concerned, but it is particularly common among adults and increasingly among children, especially in urban areas.
Common Causes: Sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie and nutrient-poor diet, genetic factors, hormonal disorders, stress, sleep disturbances, excessive consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods.
🛡️ Prevention
- Adopt a healthy and balanced diet from an early age
- Avoid snacking, processed foods, and sugary drinks
- Maintain daily physical activity (walking, sports, active play)
- Educate the population about healthy eating habits
- Regularly monitor weight, especially in children and adolescents
- Limit screen time and promote active leisure activities
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