What is Nutrition?
Nutrition is the science that studies the relationship between diet and health. It focuses on how the body uses nutrients from food, the impact of diet on health and disease, and how to make dietary choices that promote optimal health.
Key Terms
- Malnutrition: deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. It covers both undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition (overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases). Malnutrition can severely impact health, development, and productivity.
- Overnutrition: a form of malnutrition characterized by excessive intake of nutrients, particularly calories, leading to overweight, obesity, and related health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It typically results from consuming more calories than the body needs, often combined with a lack of physical activity.
- Hidden hunger: a form of malnutrition where a person lacks essential vitamins and minerals despite having enough caloric intake. It is often invisible and can occur even in people who appear well-fed or overweight. Common deficiencies include iron, iodine, Vitamin A, and zinc, and can lead to impaired cognitive and physical development, a weakened immune system, and increased susceptibility to disease.
