Starvation occurs when a person, either voluntarily or involuntarily, fails to consume or absorb an adequate amount of nutrients and calories. Over time, the malnutrition associated with a starvation diet can lead to serious health complications, including death. According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, malnutrition is a major health problem, especially in developing nations. A starvation diet can cause cognitive declines, vitamin deficiencies and certain medical conditions.
Cognitive Impairment
A starvation diet can cause cognitive impairment. Cognition is the scientific term for the process of thought. According to the Kids Health website, a starvation diet causes malnutrition, and malnutrition is harmful to both the body and the mind. The more malnourished a person becomes, the greater the likelihood he will experience health problems or complications. Common cognition- or emotion-related signs and symptoms associated with a starvation diet include difficulty concentrating, apathy, poor judgment, depression, anxiety, anger, mood fluctuations, irritability, bouts of psychotic behavior, withdrawing from society and personality changes. A starvation diet can have long-term effects on a person's body and mind. In many cases, prompt and appropriate treatment can help reduce the symptoms associated with starvation or malnutrition, although treatment for a malnourished individual depends on the cause of the malnutrition and how long a person has been starving.
Riboflavin Deficiency
Riboflavin deficiency is a danger associated with a starvation diet. The Merck Manuals website states that riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and numerous chemical reactions in the body. Riboflavin deficiency occurs in conjunction with other B-vitamin deficiencies. Decreased food consumption -- especially the inadequate consumption of fortified cereals, milk and animal products -- is a possible cause of riboflavin deficiency, as are certain medical conditions, including chronic diarrhea, malabsorption syndromes, liver disorders and long-term drug abuse and alcoholism. Common signs and symptoms associated with riboflavin deficiency include sore throat, wounds or lesions of the lips and oral mucosa, glossitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis and anemia, or lack of red blood cells. According to the Merck Manuals website, riboflavin deficiency is usually treated with riboflavin supplementation and increased consumption of other water-soluble vitamins.
Marasmus
Marasmus, a condition of chronic undernourishment, is a danger associated with a starvation diet. According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, 49 percent of the 10.4 million deaths that occur in children under 5 years of age in developing nations are attributable to protein-energy malnutrition. Marasmus, states the Food 4 Africa website, is one of three principle types of serious protein-energy malnutrition -- the other two are kwashiorkor and marasmus KW. Marasmus, which usually manifests in the first year of life, is a pathologic condition associated with a nutritional and energy deficit that occurs at the time of weaning. Common signs and symptoms associated with marasmus include growth retardation, loss of subcutaneous fat -- the fat that lies just under the skin -- and muscle atrophy, or wasting. A child with marasmus is often short-tempered, irritable and possesses a voracious appetite.
Member Comments