Two medical conditions related to unbalanced

dietScurvy & Malnutrition

Scurvy

Scurvy Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C in your diet.

If your body doesn't have enough vitamin C, it can't produce new collagen (a protein found in many different types of body tissue, including the skin and bones). Without a new supply of collagen, the body's tissue will begin to break down and deteriorate.For scurvy to develop, there are usually other contributing factors, such as:• alcohol misuse or drug dependency• homelessness• complex mental health conditions – such as severe depression or schizophrenia• being elderly and unable to maintain a healthy diet – for example, elderly men

who've recently been widowed and have little experience of cooking for themselves can sometimes develop scurvy

• treatments that cause nausea as a side effect, such as chemotherapy, can sometimes result in a person losing their appetite

• conditions that affect a person's ability to digest food – such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

Symptoms Of ScurvyIn the UK, scurvy in children is relatively rare. It usually occurs through a combination of parents being on a low income and knowing little about nutrition. For example, in 2009, a case of scurvy was reported in a child whose diet only consisted of bread and jam.Without vitamin C, collagen can't be replaced and the different types of tissue break down, leading to the symptoms of scurvy. These include:• Muscle and joint pain• Tiredness• The appearance of red dots on the skin• Bleeding and swelling of the gums

Treating Scurvy

A doctor will usually be able to diagnose scurvy by asking about your symptoms and diet. They may also carry out a blood test to measure the level of vitamin C in your blood.Treatment for scurvy is relatively straight forward. It involves taking vitamin C supplements and eating food that's high in vitamin C. This should quickly reverse the harmful symptoms of scurvy.The fact that a person has scurvy in the first place is usually a sign that they're vulnerable or living a chaotic lifestyle. Referral to a dietician, social worker or mental healthcare professional may be required to prevent further episodes of scurvy or other problems linked to malnutrition.

Good sources of vitamin CFresh fruit and vegetables are some of the best sources of vitamin C, including:• Oranges• Lemons• Limes• Grapefruits• Blackcurrants• Strawberries• Kiwi fruits• Tomatoes• Broccoli• Asparagus• Cabbage• Green peppers• Sprouts• Sweet potatoes

Malnutrition

Malnutrition Malnutrition happens when people lack nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Not enough proteins can have negative effects on a person’s growth and lead to physical problems. Vitamins are important for good health and the functioning of your body. A lack of them can cause major problems. Vitamin A deficiency may lead to eye problems and blindness. A lack of calcium leads to a bad growth of bones and teeth. Malnutrition increases the risk of diseases and weakens the immune system. It affects the transmission of viruses, including HIV. It is especially widespread among women, children and older people. Children can be at risk even before birth because they depend on the mother’s nutrition.Dietary changes are the main treatment for malnutrition. If you're undernourished, you may need to increase the nutritional content of your food, with or without taking nutritional supplements.If you're unable to eat enough to meet your nutritional needs you may need:• A feeding tube to provide nutrients directly into your digestive system• A drip to provide nutrients and fluids directly into a vein

Preventing MalnutritionThe best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

A healthy, balanced diet is vital for maintaining health and fitness. To stay healthy, you need to eat a variety of foods from the four main food groups including:• Plenty of fruit and vegetables• Plenty of bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods• Some milk and dairy foods• Some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non dairy sources of

protein• The eat well plate shows the different types of food you need to

eat (and in what proportions) to maintain a well-balanced and healthy diet.

References• http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Scurvy/Pages/Causes.aspx• http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Malnutrition/Pages/Introduction.aspx• http://

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2354524/British-childrens-junk-food-diets-worse-rationing-blamed-comeback-wartime-diseases-like-scurvy-rickets.html

• http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/319877• http://

www.photographersdirect.com/buyers/stockphoto.asp?imageid=37827• http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Scurvy/Pages/Introduction.aspx