Diet & Deficiencies

Balanced Diet

• A balanced diet includes all necessary food groups in the correct proportions.
• Essential food groups encompass:
  • Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for the body, found in foods like bread, rice, and pasta.
  • Proteins: Proteins are crucial for growth and repair of body tissues, sourced from foods like meat, fish, and legumes.
  • Lipids: Lipids serve as a concentrated source of energy and are present in foods such as oils, butter, and nuts.
  • Vitamins: Vitamins are essential for various bodily functions and can be obtained from fruits, vegetables, and supplements.
  • Minerals: Minerals are important for body structure and function, derived from foods like dairy products, nuts, and seeds.
  • Dietary Fibre: Dietary fibre aids in digestion and is found in foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Water: Water is crucial for various bodily functions, and individuals should ensure adequate daily intake for hydration.

Food Groups Table

Vitamin and Mineral Requirements Table

Varying Dietary Needs of Individuals Table

Scurvy

• Scurvy is a severe condition resulting from a significant deficiency in vitamin C.
• This deficiency typically arises due to an inadequate intake of vitamin C for a period exceeding three months.
• Common symptoms of scurvy include:
  • Anemia
  • Extreme fatigue (Exhaustion)
  • Spontaneous bleeding
  • Pain in the limbs
  • Swelling
  • Gum ulcerations
  • Tooth loss
• Sailors during the 15th to 18th centuries frequently suffered from scurvy, primarily due to the challenges of obtaining fresh produce during long sea voyages.
• Treatment for scurvy typically involves the administration of vitamin C supplements, either orally or intravenously.

Rickets

• Rickets is a health condition primarily affecting children, leading to inadequate bone development.

Symptoms of Rickets

• Children with rickets may experience bone pain due to poor bone development.
• They may exhibit a lack of bone growth, resulting in potential deformities.
• Soft, weak bones are common in rickets cases, further contributing to possible skeletal issues.

Causes and Effects

• Rickets is primarily caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin D in the body.
• Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium, a fundamental component for bone and teeth health.
• While sunlight exposure is a primary natural source of vitamin D, certain foods like fish, eggs, and butter also contain this essential vitamin.

Treatment Options

• Effective treatments for rickets involve increasing the intake of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• In cases where dietary adjustments are insufficient, healthcare providers may recommend vitamin D supplements to address the deficiency.