The United Nations Agency through its World Food Program says that there are 5 main kinds of malnutrition. Protein malnutrition, the first and most common kind is the deadliest of all. The body is not receiving food and macronutrients and also several other deficiencies are caused by it. The other types of malnutrition are iron, iodine, zinc and vitamin deficiencies.

Protein energy malnutrition occurs when people are starved. The people’s body lacks all the major nutrients including the micronutrients. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are required by the body on an everyday basis. A person, who is going through starvation, is very thin and has a skeletal figure. In children, the body will be under developed. Protein nutrition can cause death in people. A protruding belly in children is a classic sign of malnutrition. This kind of deficiency is seen in children living in third world countries when they are famine stricken and do not have access to medical help.

Iron deficiency is a kind of malnutrition that is caused due to lack of iron in the body. Iron carries oxygen and blood to various parts of the body. Because of iron deficiency the body is unable to manufacture sufficient RBCs and this leads to anemia. Anemia causes the body temperature to drop and also decreases the immune system functioning. People tend to fall sick frequently when they have anemia. Iron-rich foods like fish, meat, eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables should be accessible for people.

Vitamin deficiency is caused when people do not eat rich and nourishing foods. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common types among all the vitamins. The eyes are affected due to this type of deficiency. People are prone to blindness, respiratory problems and dryness of the skin if there is a lack of this vitamin in the body.

Iodine deficiency causes mental retardation in children. Iodine is required by the thyroid gland to regulate some hormones. When there is a lack of iodine in the body, you develop a swelling on the neck; the body temperature drops, depression and tiredness are common. Deficiency of iodine can be avoided by eating iodine-rich food, such as green leafy vegetables.

Zinc deficiency is required for the proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc deficiency causes the body to become prone to various illnesses. It causes loss of hair, decreased appetite, late healing of wounds, poor eye sight and problems with taste and smell. Deficiency of zinc can be avoided by eating meat products.

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