Question

Lack of essential amino acids in the diet leads to the disease (a) Kwashiorkar (b) Sickle cell anaemia (c) Night blindness (d) Pernicious anaemia

Short answer

(a) Kwashiorkor is the correct answer.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks which disease is caused by a lack of essential amino acids in the diet. We need to identify a disease from the given options that is related to such a nutritional deficiency.

Analyzing Each Disease

Let's go through each option: - (a) Kwashiorkor: This disease is caused by a severe deficiency of protein in the diet, specifically essential amino acids. - (b) Sickle cell anaemia: This is a genetic disorder related to abnormal hemoglobin, not dietary amino acids. - (c) Night blindness: This is mainly caused by a vitamin A deficiency. - (d) Pernicious anaemia: This is due to a lack of vitamin B12, not amino acids.

Identifying the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, option (a) Kwashiorkor is most closely related to a deficiency in essential amino acids, as it is a protein-energy malnutrition condition.

Key concepts

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition that primarily affects children in areas experiencing famine or food scarcity. It results from inadequate intake of protein, which is essential for growth and maintenance of body tissues. When our diets lack sufficient protein, the body doesn't get all the essential amino acids it needs. This results in symptoms such as swelling (edema), an enlarged liver, and a distended abdomen.

Common signs of Kwashiorkor include:

• Swollen feet and belly
• Decreased muscle mass
• Fatigue and irritability
• Changes in hair and skin, such as hair discoloration and skin spots

It is crucial to treat Kwashiorkor by introducing a carefully monitored diet rich in protein and nutrients. This helps in reversing the damage and ensuring proper growth and development in children. Community education can also play a significant role in preventing this condition.
Understanding the underlying causes like poverty and food distribution issues is important in combating this disease.

Essential Amino Acids

Our body needs amino acids to build proteins, which are the building blocks of life. However, not all amino acids can be produced by the body. This is where essential amino acids come into play. Essential amino acids must be obtained through diet because the body cannot synthesize them on its own.

There are nine essential amino acids that humans must obtain from food:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

These amino acids are crucial for various biological functions, including repairing tissue, producing hormones and enzymes, and supporting immune system function. Foods rich in essential amino acids include meat, eggs, tofu, quinoa, and legumes.
Ensuring a well-balanced diet that includes these foods is vital for maintaining good health and preventing diseases related to amino acid deficiencies, such as Kwashiorkor.

Nutritional Deficiency Diseases

Nutritional deficiency diseases occur when the body doesn't get the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly. These deficiencies can lead to a variety of health issues and are often linked to poor dietary habits or food insecurity.

Common causes of nutritional deficiency diseases include:

• Poor dietary choices
• Limited access to nutritious food
• Increased physiological needs, like during pregnancy
• Genetic factors affecting nutrient absorption

Some well-known examples of nutritional deficiency diseases include:

• Kwashiorkor – caused by protein deficiency
• Rickets – due to vitamin D deficiency
• Anemia – often caused by iron or vitamin B12 deficiency
• Scurvy – resulting from vitamin C deficiency

To prevent these conditions, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Educational programs and community initiatives can help raise awareness and improve food access. Regular health check-ups can also help detect and address these deficiencies early, reducing their impact on overall health.