What Are the Common Nutritional Problems in India?

Posted on: Dec 27, 2022 | | Written by:

What Are the Common Nutritional Problems in India?

Published on December 27, 2022. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

Our body needs different kinds of nutrients to accomplish several functions. We need these multiple nutrients to keep our bodies fit and healthy. In the absence of these nutrients, a person can suffer from various disorders like anaemia and night blindness. Especially those who belong to the lower strata of society struggle to eat two square meals a day, let alone care about their nutritional value. And as surprising as it may sound, in urban society, the problem still exists not because they do not have access to nutritious foods but because they are making poor food choices. Let’s learn more about nutritional deficiencies and how to avoid them.

What is the Cause of Nutritional Problems in India?

When your body doesn’t get the necessary amount of essential nutrients or some specific nutrient from foods, or it is unable to absorb the nutrients due to a medical illness, it causes nutritional deficiency. In India, poverty is one of the leading causes of nutritional problems because the poor cannot afford a balanced and nutritious diet. However, of late, dietary issues are found among the urban population due to poor food choices and the influence of the Western diet. People consume more junk foods containing sugars, refined carbohydrates, and calorie-dense food without worrying about the nutritional aspect.

Types of Nutritional Deficiencies

There are 2 types of nutritional deficiencies:

1. Primary Nutritional Deficiency:

This type of deficiency occurs when a person doesn’t take enough of certain vital nutrients. The cure: Intake of a nutritious and balanced diet or supplements providing the missing nutrients.

2. Secondary Nutritional Deficiency:

When your body cannot absorb the nutrients due to an underlying medical condition or illness like lactose intolerance, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, pernicious anaemia and pancreatic insufficiency, it causes secondary nutritional deficiency.

Symptoms of Nutritional Deficiencies

Some common symptoms of nutritional deficiency are:

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Light-headedness

• Loss of appetite or reduced appetite

• Poor concentration

• Hair loss

• Depression

• Palpitations

• Fainting

• Pale skin

• Constipation

• Numbness and tingling of the joints

• Weight loss

Most Common Nutritional Problems in India

1. Vitamin D deficiency:

Vitamin D is vital for maintaining bone health. It is also known to prevent certain types of cancers. Some symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fractures, bone and muscle weakness, and osteoporosis. Lack of vitamin D can also lead to diabetes, blood pressure, and multiple sclerosis. In children, it causes rickets.

2. Vitamin A deficiency:

Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyesight, strong immunity, and cell development. It can lead to blindness and damage the immune system.

3. Vitamin C deficiency:

This is important for strong immunity and healthy skin. It can cause weight loss, fatigue, damaged and dry skin, etc. A person with a lack of this vitamin can get injured easily.

4. Vitamin B12 deficiency:

Vitamin B12 is responsible for maintaining a healthy nervous system and the production of red blood cells. Lack of this vitamin causes Crohn’s disease, parasitic infestation, celiac disease, and atrophic gastritis.

5. Protein deficiency:

Proteins, considered the body’s building blocks, are essential for strong and healthy bones and muscles. A protein deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, slow healing of wounds, and oedema of the legs, hands, and abdomen. Lack of protein causes malnutrition disorders such as Marasmus and Kwashiorkor in children.

6. Iron deficiency:

Anaemia is one of the most common problems caused due to iron deficiency. Lack of iron also causes fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. Iron is a crucial mineral for making haemoglobin in the blood.

7. Iodine deficiency:

Iodine is an essential mineral for the production of thyroid hormones, which help in growth, and brain development and regulates our metabolic changes. Goitre is a common problem of iodine deficiency. In children, this deficiency causes mental retardation and growth abnormalities.

8. Folate deficiency:

Folate plays a vital role in the formation of RNA and DNA. If a pregnant woman has folate deficiency, the child can develop congenital disabilities such as spina bifida. Fatigue, mouth sores, swelling of the tongue, and greying of hair are some symptoms of folate deficiency.

Initiatives Taken by the Government to Resolve Common Nutritional Problems in India

To resolve the common nutritional problems in India, the government has taken some initiatives in the form of programmes and plans such as:

• The National Goitre Control Programme, 1962

• The National Nutritional Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme, 1970

• National Prophylaxis Programme against Nutritional Blindness due to vitamin A deficiency, 1970

• National Nutrition Mission, 2003

• Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Programme, 2012

Also Read: Here are a few healthy eating habits to follow this nutrition week

Frequently asked questions

1. What are some common nutritional problems in India?

Anaemia caused by iron deficiency, Iodine deficiency, Vitamin A, and malnutrition are some common nutritional problems.

2. I am Vitamin-D deficient. How to increase it naturally?

Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D, so spend some time in the sun every morning. Include Vitamin D-rich foods in your diet, like mushrooms, eggs, chicken, spinach, nuts, seafood, etc.

3. Is Goitre caused by a nutrient deficiency?

Yes, Goitre is caused by iodine deficiency. It is one of the common problems in India.

Conclusion

A deficiency of essential nutrients in your body can lead to many health problems.

A balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods is necessary to reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Supplements may be necessary if the essential nutrients from food are not enough. Health insurance is also a must to safeguard your finances due to such health issues.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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