Anatomy & Physiology: Nutritional Diseases

Malnutrition

Refers to the lack and malabsorption of nutrients

1. Undernutrition: not enough calories, proteins, or nutrients

2. Overnutrition: excess intake of calories, proteins, or nutrients

Marasmus

• Inadequate energy intake of all forms

• Mostly effects children under 1 years old

• Tissues & muscles wear away

Kwashiorkor

• Protein deficiency

• Stomach swelling & enlarged fatty liver

• Proteins must be reintroduced slowly to avoid stressing the liver

Pellagra

• Vitamin deficiency of niacin (Vitamin B3)

• Causes the 4 D’s: diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and death

• Enlarged heart

• Common in areas w/ heavy corn diet

Diabetes Mellitus  

• Characterized by high blood sugar

• Inability of pancreas to produce insulin

• Symptoms include urination, thirst, and hunger

Type 1 Diabetes

• Sudden, develops at a young age

• Mostly in children

• Thin body type

• Absent insulin

Type 2 Diabetes

• Gradual, develops in adults

• Obese Body Type

• Decreased or Increased insulin

Gestational Diabetes

• Develops during pregnancy

• Can cause premature birth, large birth weight, and birth defects

• Usually resolves after birth but increases risk of Type 2 Later

Celiac Disease 

• Immune reaction to gluten 

• Causes inflammation in the small intestine lining→Malabsorption

• No cure  

Crohn’s Disease

• Causes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Can affect any part of digestive tract

• Causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in stool

• No cure

Bulimia Nervosa VS Binge-Eating

• Bulimia: Binging and then getting rid of the calories by vomiting

• Binge-Eating: Episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period→ No purging

Scurvy 

• Deficiency of vitamin C

• Common amongst sailors and pirates who lacked fresh fruits and veggies

Rickets

Softening of bones due to impaired metabolism of Vitamin D, phosphorus, or calcium

Osteoporosis

• Decreased bone mass and density

• Increases risk of fractures

• Common in the elderly