Tag: Nutritional disorder

According to a study published in the journal *StatPearls*, severe niacin deficiency is known as pellagra, a condition that classically includes dermatitis as a core feature. A characteristic symptom of niacin deficiency is a photosensitive, reddish-brown rash that appears symmetrically on sun-exposed skin.

In newborns who do not receive a vitamin K shot, the risk of developing a life-threatening bleeding disorder can be up to 80 times higher. This highlights the critical role of vitamin K in the body, which, when deficient, can lead to serious health complications affecting blood clotting and bone health.

According to the World Health Organization, protein-energy malnutrition, which includes kwashiorkor, accounts for a significant portion of deaths in children under five in low-income regions. Kwashiorkor is a serious nutritional disorder resulting from a severe protein deficiency, often affecting children in developing countries.

The term 'beriberi' originates from a Sinhalese phrase meaning 'extreme weakness' or 'I cannot, I cannot'. The condition is further classified into 'dry' or 'wet' forms based on its primary symptoms, with dry beriberi specifically named for its lack of noticeable fluid accumulation, or edema, in the body's tissues.

According to a 2022 review, micronutrient deficiencies affect over 2 billion people globally, highlighting the widespread issue of nutritional disorders. A nutritional disorder is any health condition caused by an inadequate, excessive, or imbalanced intake of nutrients.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, pellagra is a systemic nutritional disorder caused by a severe deficiency of niacin, also known as vitamin B3. Historically prevalent in populations with limited diets, the disease presents with characteristic symptoms and is preventable with a balanced diet.

According to UNICEF, undernutrition is a factor in at least one-third of young child deaths worldwide, and a prominent disease associated with low protein is Kwashiorkor. This severe form of protein-energy malnutrition is most commonly found in regions experiencing food insecurity and primarily affects children.

According to the National Institutes of Health, scurvy is classified as a clinical syndrome resulting from a severe vitamin C deficiency. Known throughout history, this condition was once a widespread problem for sailors and explorers but is now primarily seen in specific vulnerable populations with poor dietary habits. The classification highlights its fundamental cause: a lack of adequate ascorbic acid intake.

During the early 20th century, pellagra affected millions, particularly in populations relying heavily on untreated corn as a dietary staple. This often-fatal condition, historically widespread in impoverished areas, is directly linked to a specific micronutrient shortfall.

A severe deficiency of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, leads to a systemic condition called pellagra, which, while rare in developed countries today, remains a significant health concern in undernourished populations globally.