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The most common nutritional problems in India arise due to a lack of essential nutrients within the human body. Among the many problems, vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency, protein deficiency, iodine deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are the most prevalent.
A balanced diet is essential for a healthy body. You need macro and micronutrients in adequate quantities to perform biological functions. But if there is a deficiency or over-consumption of nutrients, it can hamper overall health and also lead to nutritional problems in India.
Most of the nutrients your body requires are present in the food you intake. However, many people do not eat the right amount of nutrients, causing health challenges. If you consume a healthy and balanced diet, you can prevent deficiencies of vital nutrients and reduce the number of nutritional problems and associated health issues.
Here is a guide to the common nutritional problems in India and their causes.
What is a Nutritional Problem?
A nutritional problem or deficiency occurs when a person’s body does not have a sufficient amount of essential nutrients or a particular nutrient.
For instance, if you do not eat foods rich in vitamin B, you could have a vitamin B deficiency.
Such deficiencies can lead to health issues like anaemia, osteoporosis, night blindness, etc.
One of the most common ways to detect a nutrition deficiency is a blood test. Diagnostic experts analyse your blood sample to determine if you suffer from any nutrient deficiencies.
A Complete Blood Count (CBC), iron panel, 25-hydroxy vitamin D test, and chemistry profile help to check levels of iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, sodium, calcium, potassium, and other minerals and nutrients.
What are the Causes of Nutritional Problems in India?
Poverty is recognised as one of the primary causes of nutritional deficiency in India. Some people cannot afford a balanced meal, which results in a lack of nutrition and several health challenges.
In recent years, the problem has emerged even in urban wealthy families. In such cases, people can buy enough food, but their food choices are unhealthy, making them prone to common nutrition problems.
Another cause becoming prevalent is the influence of the western diet. It has led to people consuming higher quantities of fats, carbohydrates, and refined sugars, which lead to a high-calorie count without adequate nutritional value.
What are the Types of Nutritional Problems in India?
Nutritional problems can have an impact in the short and long term. If you want to find a cure, you must know which type of nutritional problem you have.
Primary Nutritional Problem
A person consuming a balanced diet is unlikely to suffer from a nutrient deficiency. The primary type of deficiency results from improper food intake or an imbalanced diet. If you want to eliminate the deficiencies, you need to consume a balanced diet, take vitamins, and eat nutritious foods.
Secondary Nutritional Problem
This type of nutritional problem arises due to underlying health issues. For instance, if you have allergies to certain food items, your body is likely to fall short of such nutrients. Other medical conditions causing nutrient deficiencies include lactose intolerance, cystic fibrosis, pernicious anaemia, pancreatic insufficiency, and celiac disease. You must intake nutrient supplements and treat the underlying health problem.
What are the Major Nutritional Problems in India?
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A is vital for healthy eyesight, cell development, immune function, and metabolism. It maintains the urinary tract and stomach lining. If your body is not receiving sufficient vitamin A, you can suffer from loss of vision and night blindness. The deficiency can also cause problems in the skin, heart, lungs, tissues, and immune system.
Vitamin D deficiency
Another prominent nutritional problem in India is the deficiency of vitamin D. It is a necessary nutrient for bone health. Moreover, it aids in preventing various types of cancer. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are bone and muscle weakness, frequent fractures, and osteoporosis.
In children, a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets. In adults, it can lead to chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Prolonged deficiency of vitamin D can lead to autoimmune disorders, cancers, and softening of bones.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
This vitamin is vital for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Its lack can cause nutritional problems like parasitic infection, atrophic gastritis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or certain neurological symptoms. Foods rich in vitamin B12 are meat, fish, eggs, poultry, and dairy products.
Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system. Some problems you may face if you have a deficiency of vitamin C include slow wound healing, dry skin, and easy bruising.
Iron deficiency
Iron helps to maintain a healthy balance of haemoglobin in the body. An iron deficiency can cause you to feel fatigue, weakness, paleness, and shortness of breath.
Protein deficiency
Protein is important for the development of nails, bones, and hair. Also known as the body’s building blocks, they are needed to maintain muscle mass. A protein deficiency can cause oedema of the hands, legs, and abdomen. It can also lead to mood changes, slow healing of wounds, weakening of nails and hair, etc.
Iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency is a common nutritional problem causing dry skin, hyperthyroidism, etc. It can be cured by consuming iodine-rich foods like milk, yoghurt, eggs, iodised salt, bananas, potatoes, and fruits.
Folate deficiency
Folate, or vitamin B9, is responsible for DNA and RNA synthesis in the body. It aids in the development of healthy red blood cells. Thus, a folate deficiency can cause weakness, anaemia, mouth sores, and other issues. In pregnant mothers, the deficiency can lead to congenital disabilities in the child.
Wrapping up
There are many prominent nutritional problems in India. While government schemes promise to provide food to people, you must also take action at an individual level. Eat a balanced diet with different types of foods rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, lipids, proteins, fibre, and other essential elements. Some health concerns may demand medical attention or hospitalisation in severe cases.
A health insurance plan can prepare you for sudden emergencies and ensure you do not face any financial challenges while getting the best medical treatment. To supplement that, you can buy a life insurance policy that protects you and your loved ones. You can customise it with health riders to enjoy hospitalisation, disability, accidental death, and critical illness benefits.
