Question

How does illness/disease affect the nutritional status of a person?

Answer 1

1. Reduced food intake: Illness may decrease appetite, cause difficulty in eating or swallowing, leading to reduced intake of nutrients.
2. Increased nutrient requirements: During illness, the body may require more energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals for healing and recovery.
3. Poor absorption of nutrients: Some diseases affect the digestive system and reduce the absorption of nutrients from food.
4. Loss of nutrients from the body: Certain illnesses may cause loss of nutrients through vomiting, diarrhoea or other conditions.
5. Changes in metabolism: Diseases can alter the way the body uses nutrients, affecting energy balance and overall health.