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Nutritional Assessment

The evaluation of an individual's dietary intake, body measurements, biochemical tests, and clinical indicators to determine their nutritional status.

Anthropometric

Measurement of the physical dimensions and composition of the body, such as weight, height, BMI, and skinfold thickness.

Weight

A key anthropometric measurement used to assess nutritional status and health.

Height

Used to determine BMI and assess growth in children and adolescents.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

A calculation using height and weight to assess body fat and categorize individuals as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

MUAC (Middle Upper Arm Circumference) Wristband

A simple tool to assess malnutrition, especially in children, by measuring arm circumference.

Skin Fold Tests

A method to estimate body fat by measuring the thickness of skinfolds at different body sites.

Biochemical Analysis

Laboratory tests used to assess nutrient levels and overall health status.

Blood Test

Measures nutrient levels, glucose, cholesterol, and other markers of health.

Urinalysis/Stool

Tests to detect infections, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive disorders.

Micronutrients

Essential vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts for body functions.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen; low levels indicate anemia.

Parasites

Organisms that live in or on a host and can cause nutritional deficiencies and infections.

Clinical Examination

A physical assessment of a person's health and nutritional status.

History

A review of past medical and dietary habits to assess nutritional risk.

Head-to-Toe Review

A thorough clinical assessment to detect signs of malnutrition or disease.

Dietary Surveys

Methods to collect information on food intake and eating habits.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical information used to assess dietary patterns and food choices.

Ratio of Body Composition

The proportion of water, fat, minerals, and protein in the body.

Water

The percentage of body composition made up of water (55-65%).

Fat

The body's stored energy source and essential for cell function (20-30%).

Minerals

Essential for bone health, enzyme function, and other processes (5.5-6%).

Protein

Needed for growth, repair, and maintaining body functions (14-16%).

Starvation

A condition caused by extreme lack of food or inability to absorb nutrients.

Pathological Condition

A disorder resulting from disease or malnutrition.

Clinical Features of Starvation

Thin, dry skin, muscle weakness, hair loss, and swelling.

Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

A spectrum of malnutrition conditions caused by inadequate protein and calorie intake.

Mild to Moderate PEM

Includes wasting (low weight for height) and stunting (low height for age).

Severe PEM

Includes Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.

Kwashiorkor

Protein deficiency with sufficient calories; causes swollen liver and belly.

Marasmus

Severe deficiency of all nutrients and calories; leads to extreme weight loss.

PEM Treatment & Recovery

Includes diet, rehydration, and medical care.

Obesity

A complex medical condition characterized by excessive body fat, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Chronic Diseases Related to Obesity

Includes heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancers.

Malnutrition/Infection Synergism

The interaction between malnutrition and infection that worsens health outcomes.

Immune System

The body's defense against infections and diseases.

Acquired Immunity

The immune system's ability to remember and fight specific infections.

Innate Immunity

The body's natural barriers against infection, such as skin and stomach acid.

Organs of the Immune System

Includes lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and others.

Vaccination/Immunization

The process of administering vaccines to protect against diseases.

Live Attenuated Virus Vaccine

Contains a weakened form of the virus to stimulate immunity without causing illness.

Hookworm

A parasite transmitted through walking barefoot; causes anemia and malnutrition.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A bacterial infection causing prolonged cough, chest pain, and weight loss.

Malaria

A mosquito-borne disease causing fever, chills, and anemia.

Folate Deficiency

Leads to fatigue, mouth sores, and impacts African countries.

Iron Deficiency

Causes fatigue, pale skin, and irritability.

Zinc Deficiency

Leads to immune dysfunction, weight loss, and skin issues.

Vitamin A Deficiency

Causes night blindness, dry skin, and increased infections.

Measles

A contagious airborne disease with fever, cough, and white spots inside cheeks.

HIV/AIDS

A virus transmitted through sexual contact; progresses to AIDS if immune system declines.

Guinea Worm Disease

Caused by consuming unfiltered water containing the parasite.

Iodine Deficiency

A condition caused by insufficient iodine intake, leading to thyroid dysfunction.

Symptomatic HIV Infection

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, diarrhea, pneumonia.

Malnutrition

A condition that results from an imbalanced diet, where nutrients are inadequate or excessive.

Nutritional Risk

The likelihood of developing nutritional deficiencies or excesses due to dietary habits or health conditions.

Nutrient Absorption

The process by which food is broken down in the gastrointestinal tract and nutrients are taken into the bloodstream.