Nutritional Deficiencies: Overview
Nutritional Deficiencies
Consuming adequate levels of all nutrients is necessary for the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and systems in the body. Insufficient amounts of one or more nutrients can compromise growth and development, reduce overall wellbeing, and contribute to chronic disease.
Good nutrition is related to overall health and wellness
Nutritional Deficiency during Pregnancy and Lactation
Adequate calcium consumption is critical for bone development and maintenance throughout life, particularly during pregnancy and lactation when maternal calcium stores can be depleted. This period is often marked by a temporary decrease in bone mineral density and an increase in bone resorption, especially in the third trimester and during lactation.
Research suggests that promoting calcium intake, especially during pregnancy and lactation, can help replenish maternal skeletal calcium stores, which is crucial as the fetus and the neonate rely on maternal sources for their total calcium needs. Ensuring sufficient maternal calcium intake can positively impact fetal bone health1.
Nutritional Deficiency’s impact on Bone health
The two main determinants of bone health are calcium and vitamin D. Despite ample sunshine, Pakistan has the highest rates of vitamin D deficiency worldwide. 2 Osteoporosis has become a major public health problem worldwide with an estimated prevalence of over 200 million. It is estimated that about 9.9 million people in Pakistan have osteoporosis of whom 7.2 million are women. Moreover, it is estimated that about 40 million Pakistanis have osteopenia with equal distribution among males and females. The prevalence of osteoporosis in Pakistan is expected to rise in the coming years with an estimated prevalence of 11.3 million in 2020, and 12.9 million in 2050. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are characterised by decreased bone mineralisation. A high percentage of Pakistani population has deficiency of calcium and vitamin D. A hospital-based study from Karachi reported that 92% of the out-patients had vitamin D deficiency with female-to-male ratio of 5:1. Majority had severe deficiency (62%).3
Nutritional Deficiency causing Malaise and Fatigue
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. The vitamin C content of food may be reduced by prolonged storage and by cooking because ascorbic acid is water soluble and is destroyed by heat.
The initial symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency may include fatigue, malaise, and inflammation of the gums.
As the deficiency progresses, it can impair collagen synthesis and weaken connective tissues, leading to petechiae, ecchymoses, purpura, joint pain, poor wound healing, hyperkeratosis, and corkscrew hair.4
Understanding the role Nutritional Deficiency during Pregnancy and Lactation
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Centrum Adults Multivitamin
A daily Multivitamin supplement that helps bridge nutrient gaps.
Educational Resources
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