Study Material on Health and Disease for CTET Paper I

In this article, we are discussing about the Health and Disease in food and Nutrition for CTET Paper – I. In this topic, you need to study about the diseases which caused due to the deficiency of various minerals and vitamins. To prepare this topic you need to study the disease type, its symptoms, why the deficiency caused and how to cure it. So, let’s begin the topic.

What is Health and disease?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health is defined as a stage of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing   and not merely absence of disease.

Disease

A disease is a particular abnormal condition, a disorder of a structure or function, that affects part or all of an organism. The causal study of disease is called pathology. Disease is generally caused when there is some deficiency in our diet.

Deficiency Disease: which occur due to deficiency of one or more nutrients in our diet

Further, it can be divided into three types:

1. Protein Energy Malnutrition
2. Mineral Deficiency Diseases
3. Vitamin Deficiency Diseases

Protein Energy Malnutrition:

Protein–energy malnutrition (PEM) refers to a form of malnutrition where there is inadequate calorie or protein intake. A number of children in the age group of 1-5 years suffer from this disease.

PEM occurred due to two reasons:

• Lack of intake of Proteins or carbohydrates
• Excess of intake of carbohydrates

PEM caused two types of diseases a) Marasmus b) Kwashiorkor

1. Marasmus

It is caused due to the deficiency of the carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It usually affects infants below the age of one year.

Symptoms

• Wasting of muscles reduces the child to skin and bones
• Folded Skin
• Sunken eyes, thin face, thinning of limbs and abdominal walls
• Retarded physical and mental growth
• Oedema and Skin Pigmentation are absent

Marasmus can be cured by a nutritious, well-balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein. The balanced diet will reduce the risk of malnutrition and any related marasmus.

2. Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet. Kwashiorkor is most common in areas where there is famine, limited food supply and low levels of education (when people do not understand how to eat a proper diet)

This disease is more common in very poor countries. It often occurs during a drought or other natural disaster. These conditions are responsible for a lack of food, which leads to malnutrition.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of Kwashiorkor are

• Changes in skin pigment,
• decreased muscle mass, diarrhea,
• failure to gain weight and grow
• Fatigue
• Hair changes (change in color or texture)
• Increased and more severe infections due to damaged immune system
• Irritability

Kwashiorkor can be cured if adequate protein and carbohydrate rich food is given.  

Mineral Deficiency Diseases

Minerals are specific kinds of nutrients that the body needs in order to function properly. A mineral deficiency occurs when the body doesn’t obtain the required amount of a mineral.

To stay healthy, the body requires different amounts of each mineral. The minerals can be obtained from food, mineral supplements, and food products that have been fortified with extra minerals.

Types of Mineral Deficiency Diseases

There are five main types of mineral deficiency: calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Calcium deficiency: It causes Rickets in Children and Osteomalacia in adults

Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. It also supports proper function of blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and hormones. Natural sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, and cheese, along with some vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Chinese cabbage. Some foods are also fortified with calcium, including tofu, cereals, and juices.

Deficiency of Calcium causes Rickets in Children and Osteomalacia in adults.

Symptoms of a severe deficiency include cramping of the muscles, numbness, tingling in the fingers, fatigue, poor appetite, and irregular heart rhythms.

Iron deficiency: It caused Anaemia

Iron is important for the formation of the respiratory pigment haemoglobin present in the blood. Deficiency of Iron results in reduction of red blood cells (RBC). Iron is also a part of other proteins and enzymes that keep the body healthy. The best sources of iron are animal foods like meats, poultry, or fish, and plant foods such as beans or lentils.

The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include feeling weak and tired, performing poorly at work or school, and slow social and cognitive development in children.

Magnesium deficiency

The body needs magnesium for hundreds of chemical reactions. These include reactions that control blood glucose levels, blood pressure, proper functioning of muscles and nerves, and protein production. Good sources of magnesium include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.

Magnesium deficiency is uncommon in healthy people. This is because the kidneys can keep magnesium from leaving the body through the urine. Early signs include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

Potassium deficiency

Potassium is required for muscle contraction, proper heart function and the transmission of nerve signals. It is also needed by a few enzymes, including one that helps the body turn carbohydrates into energy. The best sources of potassium are fruits like bananas, potatoes, plums, and orange juice, as well as vegetables.

The most common cause of potassium deficiency is excessive loss. This is caused by extended vomiting, kidney disease, or the use of certain medications like diuretics. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include muscle cramping and weakness, and constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain caused by paralysis of the intestines.

Zinc deficiency

Zinc plays a role in many aspects of the body’s metabolism. These include protein synthesis, immune system function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It is also important for proper growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. Zinc is found in animal products like oysters, red meat, and poultry. Beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products are also good sources of zinc.

Iodine Deficiency: Goitre and Cretinism

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroxine (hormone produced by thyroid gland). Iodine deficiency causes thyroid gland to enlarge and swell, this is called goitre.

The symptoms include protruding eyes, stunted growth, puffy appearances, irregular heart beat and low intelligence. Deficiency of Iodine results in another disease called cretinism. Symptoms of Cretinism are stunted growth, retarded mental growth and low metabolic rate.