Describe why inadequate food and nutrients can lead to disease and death, particularly in children.

What will be an ideal response?


When energy intake falls below needs, a variety of problems arise-physical and mental activity declines; growth slows or ceases altogether; muscle and fat wasting occurs; the immune system weakens, increasing susceptibility to disease; and death rates rise (Fig. 3-1). The consequences of micronutrient deficiencies can be equally devastating. For example, vitamin A deficiency, found in approximately 30% of children under age 5 in developing countries, damages the eyes and sometimes causes blindness. Vitamin A deficiency also increases vulnerability to common diseases, such as measles, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. Iodine deficiency is the world's leading cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage. Vitamin A, iodine, iron, zinc, and folate are the micronutrients most likely to be in short supply in developing countries.

Nutritional Science

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Which of the following is a feature of lactose?

a. Its digestion begins in the mouth b. It is found in various amounts in most animal foods c. It is used as filler in one out of five prescription drugs d. It causes frequent allergies in certain population groups

Nutritional Science

When someone has acute renal failure that we determine is a result of exposure to contrast dye, which of the following is a likely cause?

a. nephrotoxicity b. acute tubular necrosis c. severe dehydration d. ureter blockage

Nutritional Science

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often accompanied by:

a. malnutrition. b. vitamin A deficiency. c. edema. d. electrolyte imbalances.

Nutritional Science

Which foods are recommended for overweight or obese persons who plan to lose weight?

What will be an ideal response?

Nutritional Science