Basic Nutrition

Define Nutrition

Nutrition is the entire process from obtaining food and consuming it, to absorbing The nutrients and energy from it. The intake of food, considered in relation to the Body’s dietary needs, is one of the foundations of good health throughout a person’s Lifetime. Nutrition encompasses the process by which people:

» obtain adequate types and amounts of food required to meet the nutrient needs For the body’s maintenance, growth and activity.

» prepare food for consumption. » consume food. » absorb nutrients and energy from the food that was consumed.Good nutrition is not just about getting enough food, but also about ensuring the Right nutrients enter the body, for example through breastfeeding infant and young Children, giving them a varied diet and ensuring that nutrients be absorbed in the Body.

Good nutrition also emphasises food handling safety and hygiene to prevent Diarrhoeal diseases.

• All food is made up of nutrients. The body uses nutrients to: » build and repair damaged tissue. » produce energy. » perform bodily actions in order to remain healthy.

For good nutrition, the body needs a combination of nutrients, distinguished into two Categories:

Macronutrient

Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Macronutrients are Consumed in relatively large quantities since they supply all the energy needed by The body and form the bulk of the diet. The macro nutrients are: Proteins help the Body to grow and repair worn out tissues.

The macro nutrients are: Proteins help the Body to grow and repair worn out tissues. They are known as body-building foods.

Carbohydrates give the body energy to work and are known as energy-giving Foods. Fats are essential for the development of healthy cells. They give energy And strength, so that people can work hard.

Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals, and trace elements. They are Only needed in small amounts. The micro nutrients are: Minerals perform different Functions like building strong bones and for proper functioning of the brain. Some Minerals are used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat. Examples of Minerals are: calcium, phosphorous, zinc and magnesium. Vitamins are needed in Small quantities to sustain life. We get vitamins from food and other sources. For Example sunlight is a source for Vitamin D. Vitamins help to strengthen bones, heal Wounds, and boost the immune system. They also convert food into energy, and Repair cellular damage because the human body either may or may not produce Enough vitamins required by the body.

The image below shows the various food sources of micronutrients.

Water is not a nutrient, but it is essential for normal body function. Our bodies, the Cells, organs and tissues require water to regulate body temperature and maintain Other bodily functions. The body loses water through breathing, sweating and Digestion. We rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.

Malnutrition

• Malnutrition occurs when nutrient and energy intake does not meet or exceeds, an Individual’s requirements to maintain growth, immunity and organ function.

Malnutrition is divided into two 

Overnutrition and undernutrition

• Overnutrition is the over consumption of nutrients and energy to the point where Health is adversely affected. Overnutrition can result in being overweight and obesity, As well as suffering from nutrition-related non-communicable disease.

Overnutrition has subdivition

Overweight

Obesity

Diet-related noncommunicable diseases (like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)

Example If a person weight 65kg and the person’s height is 175cm Calculate the BMI

Solvent 65kg/1.75m2 = 65kg/3.0625m²

21.224kg/m²

Undernutrition occurs when the intake or absorption of energy of one or more Nutrients (protein and/or micro nutrients) is less than required. Undernutrition can Result in chronic malnutrition, acute malnutrition and/or micronutrient deficiencies.

Undernutrition – when the body does not get enough nutrients.

Undernutrition has subdivition

Wasting (low weight for height)

Stunting (low height for age)

Underweight (low weight for age)

Micronutrient deficiencies (lack of vitamins and minerals like iron, iodine, vitamin A, zinc)

Forms of undernutrition

Acute malnutrition occurs as a result of recent rapid weight loss (or, in children,It may be the result of failure to gain weight. Acute malnutrition is associated with Increased morbidity and mortality. Acute malnutrition is further distinguished into Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Chronic malnutrition develops as a result of inadequate nutrition, repeated Infections, or both. It is associated with poor cognitive development, poor learning And limited productivity. It accumulates over time, in particular during the first 1 000 Days. Stunting is an indicator of chronic malnutrition.

Micronutrient deficiency (MND) is a shortage of essential vitamins or minerals. People who suffer from MND may not show any signs or symptoms, so it is sometimes Referred to as hidden hunger. Worldwide, iron, vitamin A and iodine are the three Most common MNDs. Children and PLW are most vulnerable to MNDs.