Comprehension: Malnutrition

Topic Content:

• Title: MalnutritionMalnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. More
• Text: New Oxford Secondary English Course for SS2 pages 42-43

     Malnutrition has been described as a tragedy of great magnitude . WHO declares that it is an accomplice in at least half of the 10.4 million child deaths each year. Malnutrition covers a wide range of illnesses from undernourishment due to a lack of one or more nutrients such as vitamins and mineral deficiencies – to obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases.

     However, Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is by far the most lethal form of malnutrition. Malnutrition is not restricted to children. It casts long shadows in the developing world according to WHO.

      Industrialised countries are not free from the scourge of malnutrition as about 11 million people suffer from it.

     Malnutrition is caused by a deficiency in the intake of nutrients by the cells of the body and it is usually triggered by a combination of factors, an insufficient intake of proteins, calories, vitamins, and minerals and frequent infections.

     Illnesses such as diarrhoea, measles, malaria and respiratory diseases tax the body heavily and cause loss of nutrients. They reduce appetite and food intake thus contributing to malnutrition.

     Children are at a greater risk of suffering from