Malnutrition and starvation are common problems in sub-Saharan Africa, and can lead to permanent disability if they occur early in life. A lack of food and nutrients can interfere with the functions of individual cells and tissues, and the nervous tissue is among the most sensitive to irreversible damage during development.
The term malnutrition generally refers to Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), which occurs as a result of "the cellular imbalance between supply of nutrients and energy and the body's demand for them to ensure growth, maintenance, and specific functions" (WHO, cited in Grigsby, 2003). Malnutrition can result from micronutrient deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, iodine, folate, vitamin a, and vitamin D 30% of children in sub-Saharan Africa have PEM (Grigsby, 2003).
A lack of food and nutrients can interfere with the functions of individual cells and tissues. Almost all organ systems are impacted by malnutrition because a lack of protein prevents synthesis of body proteins and enzymes. Cellular functioning is damaged almost universally because energy is not available of biochemical reactions, and micronutrients are not present to allow for metabolic functions driven by enzymatic processes (Grigsby, 2003).
Tissues that are likely to suffer the most irreversible damage are nervous tissue. Children who are chronically malnourished during development show a number of nervous system defects, including reduced behavioral and social functioning, and increased anxiety, irritability, apathy, and neuromuscular diseases. Further, heart tissue and kidney tissue are also vulnerable, as congenital heart disease and chronic renal failure are associated with malnutrition (Grigsby, 2003). In contrast, subcutaneous tissues can often increase to a near-normal level when adequate calories are introduced.
In conclusion, children are highly vulnerable to lasting cellular and tissue damage as a result of malnutrition or starvation. The risk is highest during early childhood and infancy, and lack of energy, protein and nutrients can interfere with functions of individual cells and tissues by disrupting biochemical, metabolic processes and protein synthesis.
References
Grigsby, Donna G., MD. 2003. Malnutrition. EMedicine, Last Updated: December 18, 2003. http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1360.htm
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