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enough niacin (one of the B complex
vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid) it
could be Pellagra; Pellagra can also occur if
the body fails to absorb these nutrients and
may develop after gastrointestinal diseases or
with alcohol use, HIV/AIDS, or anorexia. The
severity of symptoms depends on the intensity
and duration of the deficiency and some
changes, such as to bone and nerves, may be
irreversible. Or again Scurvy is a disease that
occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin
“C” (ascorbic acid) in the diet. Scurvy causes
general weakness, anemia, gum disease, and
skin hemorrhages.

Moreover when we speak about
malnutrition, we have to consider
that the need for adequate nutrition
is a constant, but the demands of
the body will vary over time. So
during pregnancy, adequate
nutritional support is crucial for
normal growth and development of

the fetus. A deficiency in folic acid during
pregnancy can cause birth defects and increase the
risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery;
Children can develop a condition called marasmus, a
severe deficiency of calories and protein, as a result
of a severe shortage of food. Marasmus is
characterized by a thin body and stunted growth. If
enough calories are given but the food is lacking in
protein, a child may develop kwashiorkor, a
condition characterized by fluid accumulation
(edema), an enlarged liver, apathy, and delayed
development. Deficiencies of specific vitamins can
also affect bone and tissue formation. A lack of
vitamin “D”, for instance, can affect bone formation,
causing rickets in children. Worldwide, about one-

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