5 Diseases Caused by the Lack of Nutrition

To create individuals who are able to achieve maximum potential, nutritional factor is a very important element to note. The toddler age is known as the "Golden Period" of growth and development. So called because at the age of 0-5 years the Little One undergoes a process of growth and development that will determine the conditions in the future.

At the time of the golden period, the brain development of the Little One is very rapid, reaching 80 percent of his/her potential. All information that the Little One receives in this period will be the foundation of character, personality and ability formation later in his/her future.

Maximize the golden period by providing a good and balanced nutritional intake, adjusted with the needs and the age. Then, give the outpouring of affection, attention, and stimulation according to the stage of growth of the Little One.

If the nutritional adequacy is not met then the Little One is at risk of stunting. Stunting is a state of height-under-standard at a certain age that ultimately increases a person's risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Another negative effect of stunting is the decreased ability of the brain, such as attention disturbances, learning disorders, declining IQ scores, forgetfulness, decreased ability to socialize, and decreased ability to solve problems. This will happen if the malnutrition continues over the years.

The following is a list of diseases caused by malnutrition:

Kwashiorkor

This is one of the most acute malnutrition of proteins in the world. Other symptoms of this disease are distended abdomen, enlarged liver, thinning of the hair and coarse hair texture, easily dislodged teeth, and dermatitis.

Marasmus

This disease is caused by the very severe lack of protein and calories. Common in children. In marasmus condition, body weight is 80% lower than a normal weight should be so that one's body look thin. Muscle thinning, dry and scaly skin, and loose skin are other symptoms of marasmus.

Anemia

The most common illness which is caused by malnutrition. Although it can be triggered by many factors, but one of the main reasons for the occurrence of anemia is iron and vitamin B12 deficiency. Sufferers may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, pallor and other symptoms that indicate the low number of hemoglobin.

Mumps

Caused by iodine deficiency in food. The typical symptoms are swelling of the thyroid gland. Other symptoms are lethargy, weakness, low metabolic rate, increased susceptibility to cold, and others.

Vitamin Deficiency

• Vitamin A. May result in night blindness, permanent blindness and is particularly susceptible to infections, appetite disorder, dry and rough skin, hair damage, difficulty in wound healing, and so on.

• Vitamin B1. Patients will experience lethargy, decreased in appetite, and mental depression. The disease due to thiamine deficiency is called beriberi. The disease is caused by foods rich in carbohydrates but low in thiamine.

• Vitamin B2. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin deficiency is usually associated with less protein and energy. Riboflavin deficiency symptoms include sore throat with swelling and redness of the mouth, cheilosis, stomatitis, glossitis, dermatitis, and others.

• Vitamin B12. Characterized by symptoms such as tingling of the tongue, anemia, white spots on the skin, mouth sores, shortness of breath, migraine-like headaches, and others.

• Vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency causes a condition known as scurvy. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums, very long wound healing, skin spots, and increased susceptibility to infection.

• Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency usually occurs due to lack of calcium intake and sun exposure. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency lead to a disturbed bone formation, so the bones become very soft as in osteomalacia and osteoporosis.

Of course, Mommy hopes that the Little One can grow and develop into a high quality human being. Make sure that Mommy provides balanced nutrition as needed and the outpouring of affection, attention as well as stimulation according to age stages in order for the Little One’s growth and development to go optimally.