Question

What are the common nutritional problems facing India?

Answer 1

Answer:

The major nutritional problems are protein energy malnutrition (PEM),vitamin A deficiency (VAD), iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). This chapter focuses on the current scenario in relation to the nutritionalstatus of children in urban slums in India.

Answer 2

The common nutritional problems India faces include:

Vitamin D deficiency-related nutritional problems.

• Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D.
• Vitamin D is essential mainly for bone health.
• It also helps keep the body away from certain types of cancer.
• Their chronic deficiency can lead to problems like autoimmune disorders, weak bones, and even cancer.
• Fatigue, muscle, and bone aches are the basic symptoms.

Protein deficiency-related nutritional problems.

• Protein deficiency or protein-energy malnutrition is more common in children who receive very less nutrition in their childhood.
• A protein-deficient diet leads to kwashiorkor protein-energy malnutrition.
• Loss of weight due to protein deficiency results in marasmus protein-energy malnutrition.

Iron deficiency-related nutritional problems.

• According to WHO reports, in India, almost 50% of adolescent girl-s suffer from this nutritional problem known as anemia.
• Low hemoglobin concentration is a major symptom.
• This deficiency affects both physical and mental health and growth.

Vitamin B12 deficiency-related nutritional problems.

• Studies tell that more than 75% Indian population suffers from this vitamin deficiency.
• This vitamin is essential for a healthy nervous system, red blood cells, and energy production.

Vitamin C deficiency-related nutritional problems.

• Almost 75% of the population in India above 60 years of age suffers from this problem.
• Tobacco consumption has been proved to be one reason for this nutritional problem.