The Importance of Nutrition

CHAPTER 1 The Importance of Nutrition



1.1 INTRODUCTION


The term ‘nutrition’ incorporates the concepts of nutrient supply, utilization and effects on health. The subject therefore has a very broad range and includes a consideration of the politics and economics of food and drink availability, the ability of populations and individuals to access that food, the biochemical processes involved in the metabolism of the nutrients and their interactions, the genes that affect these processes, and the effects of different levels of intake on health. It is therefore a subject that embraces politics, agriculture, economics, sociology, public health, psychology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics and other disciplines. Nutritionists may have a broad view across these areas or specialize in a particular area. Whilst it cannot be disputed that food and nutrients are essential for good health, the habits and rituals of food consumption have also always made an important contribution to cultures and to the psychological wellbeing of individuals, friends and families.


Nutrition is a subject that is of interest to a wide range of people, and in almost every newspaper and magazine there are articles on nutrition and food. Much of what is written in the press is responsible and well researched, but there is also much that is based on no evidence, with suggestions of ‘superfoods’ that have implausible effects on health, or diets that guarantee rapid weight loss. With the increasing prevalence of obesity and concern for health these are of great interest but it is difficult for the general public to distinguish between advice that is given by a properly qualified nutritionist who understands the science and the quality of the evidence and those who have very little training and whose advice lacks a robust evidence base.



1.2 THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION FOR HEALTH


In developing countries, poverty and disease result in a significant proportion of the population consuming diets deficient in energy (overall calories from food whether fat, protein or carbohydrate) and specific vitamins and minerals. These diets have many adverse effects both in the short term and the long term. Growth in infancy and childhood is very often impaired, and this can affect education, ability to work, and childbearing, so that the long-term consequences are manifold. Additionally, vitamin or mineral deficiencies can lead to a range of conditions such as anaemia, bone abnormalities, increased susceptibility to infection, even blindness. Levels of child and maternal mortality in these countries are high.

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Jun 13, 2016 | Posted by in ENDOCRINOLOGY | Comments Off on The Importance of Nutrition

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