What Is Micronutrient Malnutrition and Why Does It Matter?

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When many people think of malnutrition their
minds immediately spring to what is known as
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM). PEM nutrition
is essentially the term used to refer to when one
has an insufficient calorie intake due to a lack
of food, and is essentially hunger based
malnutrition.It is easy to see why PEM receives
more international attention not only can this
form of malnutrition often have fatal results,
but the lack of calories and proteins can mean
that those who suffer from PEM are unable to
perform basic bodily functions and tasks that
many of us take for granted.
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The other lesser known form of malnutrition is
known as micronutrient malnutrition and refers
to the situation when an individual or
individuals are suffering from a deficiency of
the vital nutrients and minerals needed to meet
daily nutrition requirements. Though
micronutrient malnutrition may not have as fatal
consequences as PEM, it is nonetheless an
incredibly pertinent and widespread global issue,
and a form of malnutrition that the Amira
Foundation is determined to help combat.
Essentially, PEM malnutrition is malnutrition
caused by a lack of food, whereas micronutrient
malnutrition is malnutrition caused by a lack of
certain essential vitamins.
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While there are several different forms of
micronutrient malnutrition, the three most common
forms are Iron, Vitamin A and Iodine
deficiencies, all three of which have several
adverse effect on the body and day to day life.
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Iron DeficiencyIron is used by the body to
produce red blood cells, which help store and
carry oxygen around the blood stream. A lack of
iron intake causes anaemia, a condition which can
lead to several health problems. Not only can
iron deficiency cause your immune system to
weaken and make you more susceptible to illness,
but anaemia is also known to result in increased
chances of poor pregnancy outcome, impaired
physical and cognitive development and extreme
tiredness and lethargy.Foods that are high in
iron include clams, pork liver, kale, brown rice,
eggs, cuttlefish and many more. In many cases an
iron supplement can be taken to boost the bodys
iron levels on a short term basis.
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Vitamin A DeficiencyVitamin A deficiency is a
problem that is primarily prevalent in developing
nations. Vitamin A is an incredibly important
nutrient that is used by the body for growth and
development and for the maintenance of good
vision and the immune system. The effects of
vitamin A deficiency are widespread between
250,000 and 500,000 children a year are estimated
to go blind as a result of a lack of vitamin A
consumption. The condition also seriously
contributes to underdeveloped immune systems in
the regions where it is prevalent.Vitamin A can
be found in fruits and vegetables and foods that
are high in Vitamin A include sweet potatoes,
carrots, kale, squash, sweet red peppers and much
more.
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Iodine DeficiencyIodine deficiency is the third
most common micronutrient deficiency and can
cause impaired cognitive development in children.
Iodine is an important trace element required by
the human body as a constituent of thyroid
hormones. As well as its effects on mental
development, iodine deficiency can also cause
hypothyroidism, the symptoms of which can include
fatigue, depression, weight gain, mental slowing
and much more.Iodine is naturally present in
high levels of concentration in oceans and
certain soils, so iodine deficiencies are most
prevalent in remote inland areas where little
seafood is eaten, or mountainous regions in which
the soil contains little iodine.One simple
solution for iodine deficiencies is iodised salt.
A small amount of iodine is added to table salt
and has helped reduce the global prevalence of
iodine deficiency significantly. Additionally,
foods that are naturally high in iodine include
seafood and sea vegetables such as kelp, hiziki
and arame, as well as cranberries and raw organic
cheese, amongst others.
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