Lack of proper nutrition due to inadequate quality of food, as opposed to inadequate quantity of food, is
a. non-nutrition
b. anti-nutrition
c. undernutrition
d. malnutrition
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. malnutrition.
Malnutrition refers to a condition that arises when a person’s diet lacks the proper quality of nutrients necessary for optimal health. This can result from either an insufficient intake of essential nutrients or an imbalance in the diet. In the context of inadequate quality of food, malnutrition manifests when a person receives enough calories but the food consumed is deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, or other micronutrients.
Malnutrition can be classified into two main forms: undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition occurs when there is a deficiency of calories, proteins, or essential micronutrients, leading to conditions like stunted growth, weight loss, and weakened immunity. On the other hand, overnutrition refers to excessive intake of food, particularly fats and sugars, leading to conditions such as obesity and metabolic diseases.
In the case of inadequate quality of food, people may consume enough food in terms of calories, but the nutritional content may be poor. For example, a diet consisting mainly of refined carbohydrates or processed foods may not provide adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies. Such deficiencies can cause various health issues, such as scurvy due to lack of vitamin C, pellagra from niacin deficiency, or rickets due to vitamin D deficiency.
On the other hand, undernutrition specifically refers to insufficient intake of calories or essential nutrients, while anti-nutrition refers to substances that inhibit nutrient absorption, such as certain enzymes or chemicals found in some foods. Non-nutrition is not a recognized term in the context of dietary health.
Malnutrition, especially in the form of micronutrient deficiencies, can have far-reaching consequences, particularly in developing countries where access to diverse and nutrient-rich food sources may be limited.