Malnutrition Components: Under Nutrition MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz is for Class IX students studying Home Science (Code 064). It covers Unit IV: Food, Nutrition and Health, focusing on the topic of Malnutrition, specifically Under Nutrition. Key concepts include nutrient deficiency and its impacts on growth and health. Answer all 10 questions and click ‘Submit Quiz’ to see your score and download a PDF of your answers.
Understanding Under Nutrition
Under-nutrition is a form of malnutrition that occurs when the body does not get enough nutrients. This can be due to an inadequate intake of calories, protein, vitamins, or minerals. It has severe consequences, especially for children, affecting their growth, health, and overall development.
Key Concepts in Under Nutrition
- Deficiency: A lack or shortage of a specific nutrient essential for the body’s proper functioning.
- Growth Impacts: Under-nutrition can lead to stunted growth (being too short for one’s age) and wasting (being too thin for one’s height).
- Health Impacts: It weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. It can also impair cognitive development and reduce physical capacity.
Major Forms of Under Nutrition
The most severe forms of under-nutrition are often related to Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM).
1. Kwashiorkor
This condition is primarily caused by a severe deficiency of protein in the diet, even if calorie intake is adequate. It typically affects older infants and young children.
Symptoms:
- Edema (swelling), especially in the abdomen, feet, and hands.
- Changes in skin and hair pigment (hair may become reddish).
- Fatty liver.
- Irritability and lethargy.
2. Marasmus
This condition results from a severe deficiency of both protein and calories. It is essentially a state of starvation and can affect infants and young children.
Symptoms:
- Severe weight loss and wasting of muscle and fat.
- A “wizened” or old-person-like facial appearance.
- No edema or swelling.
- Chronic diarrhea.
Common Micronutrient Deficiencies
Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can also lead to serious health problems:
| Nutrient | Deficiency Disease | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | Anaemia | Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath. |
| Iodine | Goitre / Cretinism | Swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck, impaired mental development. |
| Vitamin A | Night Blindness / Xerophthalmia | Difficulty seeing in low light, dry eyes. |
| Vitamin D | Rickets (in children) | Weak, soft, and deformed bones. |
| Vitamin C | Scurvy | Bleeding gums, fatigue, swollen joints. |
Quick Revision Points
- Under-nutrition is caused by a lack of essential nutrients.
- PEM includes Kwashiorkor (protein deficiency) and Marasmus (protein and calorie deficiency).
- Kwashiorkor is characterized by edema, while Marasmus is characterized by severe wasting.
- Under-nutrition severely impacts physical growth (stunting) and cognitive development.
- Key micronutrient deficiencies include Iron (Anaemia), Iodine (Goitre), Vitamin A (Night Blindness), and Vitamin D (Rickets).
Extra Practice Questions
- What is the primary difference between the causes of Kwashiorkor and Marasmus?
- Why is under-nutrition particularly dangerous during early childhood?
- Which nutrient is crucial for preventing anaemia, and what are its common food sources?
- Explain the term “stunting” in the context of malnutrition.
- A child with a swollen belly, thin limbs, and discolored hair is most likely suffering from which condition?
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