Topic 4

-Contemporary Nutrition Issues-

Malnutrition 
 Dietary condition which results from the consumption of a diet lacking in or excess of
specific nutrients 
 Broken into 2 categories; 
1. Overnutrition 
2. Undernutrition 

Overnutrition 
 Occurs when diet has an oversupply of one or more specific nutrients 

Overweight + Obesity 
 Obesity is the most prominent diet related disorder in AUS 
 Overweight= anywhere between 10-19% the ideal body weight 
 Obesity= 20% over the ideal body weight 

Physical Effects
Short Term Effects Long Term Effects

 Excessive sweating   Development of cancers, CVD, Type 2 diabetes,

hypertension

 Stretch marks   Physically immobile 

 Shortness of breath 

 Difficulty doing basic

activity 

Economic Costs
 Cost of maintaining an unhealthy diet consist of processed foods 
 Gym + fitness memberships, weight loss foods + supplements, gov health incentives 
 Obesity costs the country $21 billion to maintain 

Dental Caries
 Scientific term used to describe tooth decay or cavities 
 Damage occurs when tooth enamel softens + breaks down leaving tooth susceptible to
rot/decay
 During deacy, nerves are exposed which can result in tooth pain and bad breath 
 Initial decay of tooth occurs in the enamel of the tooth 
 To avoid dental caries, must consume a balanced healthy diet, brush, floss,
mouthwash, maintain adequate calcium levels, and avoid acidic diet. 
Physical Effects
Short Term Effects Long Term
Effects
  Pain and  Gingivitis 
discomfort   Gum
 Bad breath  disease 
 Loss of
teeth

Economic Costs
 Fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, $876 million spent on the economy for dental
services 

Undernutrition 
 Occurs when there is an insufficient amount of nutrients consumed by the body 
 May lead to weight loss or nutrient deficiency such as anemia or scurvy 
 Can result in a weakened immune system, poor wound healing, loss of muscle mass
and function 
 Groups which suffer from undernutrition; 
 Indigenous (ATSI)
 Teenage girls 

Inadequate Fibre 
 Fibre is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system 
 Found in plant foods, cereals, legumes, fruits/veggies
 Helps stabilize glucose and cholesterol levels 

Physical Effects
Short Term Long Term Effects
Effects

 Constipati  Diseases; 
on  Hemorroides
 Gas build  Diverticulitis 
up  Bowel cancer 
 Bloating   Diabetes 
 Raised blood pressure 
 LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein=
BAD)
 HDL (High Density
Lipoprotein= GOOD)

Economic Costs
 Doctors appointments 
 Surgery
 Time away from employment causing financial burden on economy and health
system 

Inadequate Iron (Anemia) 

 Deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the body which is caused by an
inadequate supply of iron 
  Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body 
 Prevention; consumption of high iron food eg red meats, legumes, green leafy
vegetables, vitamin C also aids the body in absorbing iron

Economic Costs
 Iron infusions, supplements, injections 

Physical Effects
Short Term Effects Long Term Effects

 Lethargic (lack of oxygen)  Easily bruised 

 Fatigue (caused by heart  In women, it can cause birth defects 
working harder)  Severely anaemic in rare cases can cause a
 Easily irritated  coma or heart attack 
 Dropping of blood pressure 

Inadequate Calcium 
 Lead to weak, fragile + undeveloped bones 
 Phosphorus helps to form calcium in the body 
 Prevention; diet high in calcium eg dairy products, seafood, leafy green veggies 

Economic Costs 
 Treatment for osteoporosis
 Calcium supplements
 Treatment for broken bones 

Physical Effects
Short Term Effects Long Term Effects

 Fractures  Development of
 Weak immune osteoporosis
system   Susceptible to breakage 

Diet Related Disorders 

Type 2 Diabetes 
 When cells in the body stop responding to insulin 
 Pancreas doesn’t produce adequate amounts of insulin 
 Insulin breaks down glucose from food into energy
 Now has become more common in all ages as there is an increase access to processed
foods 
 Diabex= clinical drug used to treat type 2 diabetes 
 Preventions include; 
 Foods high in saturated fats and processed foods must be limited 
 Regularly do blood tests 
Economic Costs
 $6 billion disease/year 
 Healthcare costs + government subsidies on medicine 
 21st century epidemic 
 1.7million Australians have diabetes 

Physical Effects
Short Term Effects Long Term Effects

 Excessive thirst   Loss of

 Excessive need to pass urine  limbs 
 Constantly lethargic   Loss of
 Itchy skin vision 
 Slow wound healing   Coma 
 Cramping/mood
swings/headaches/dizziness
 Blurred vision/weight gain/constant
hunger

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)  

 Disease of heart caused by a buildup of plaque in artery (hardening of artery walls)
 Prevention; 
 Diet w/ limited salts, sugars, fats 
 Plenty of water 

Economic Costs
 Highest expenditure of any disease in AUS
 Cost $7 billion/year
 Very expensive to treat 
 Hospitalisation, medication, therapy 

Physical Effects
Short Term Effects Long Term Effects

 High blood pressure   Stroke 

 Lethargic   Heart attack 
 Formation of blood  May result in
cells death 
 Angina (chronic chest
pain)

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia 

 More mental than physical 
 Involves self induced weight loss followed by excessive exercise 
 Bulimia- caused by binge eating and forcefully throwing up afterwards 
 Preventions; 
  Healthy diet, mental health checks 

Economic Costs
 Mental health facilities 
 Loss of family income 

Physical Effects
Short Term Effects Long Term Effects

 Lethargic  Kidney failure

 Weak  Lanugo (fur on face)
 Constantly  Amenorrhea (stops
cold  menstruating) 
 Slow heart
rate 

Nutritional Considerations For Specific Groups 

Adolescent Girls 
 Require more energy than adult females due to growth + menstruation 
 Tend to consume less iron filled foods due to personal preference 
 More emotional due to hormonal fluctuation 
 Require high levels of iron due to menstruation 
 Protein is essential for building muscle + repairing cells 
 Vitamin B is essential to help body break down energy 
 Calcium is essential 

Pregnant + Lactating Women

 Nutritionally vulnerable - require extra support for the developing fetus 
 Require high levels of folate to prevent neural tube defects in babies 
 Requirement for bread to have folic acid 

Post Menopausal Women 

 Need calcium to prevent osteoporosis 
 Produce very minimal amounts of estrogen
 Vitamin D essential for bone health 
 Tend to consume food high in fat, sugar + salt due to inability to prepare foods  

Middle Aged Men Living Alone 

 Men are less likely to cook for themselves - rely on processed and ready-to-go meals

Elderly 
 Have difficulty shopping 
 Lack of mobility and require assistance 
 Easily become sick + frail + fragile 

People with Health Conditions 

 Cystic fibrosis, down syndrome, allergies 
 Inability to look after themselves 
 Lack of specific nutrients due to specific allergies/intolerances 
ATSI
 Isolated + low life expectancy 
 Limited food availability in geographical location 
 Lack of education + Low socioeconomic status 
 Colonisation  results in non nomadic lifestyle= increase of sedentary lifestyle =
overweight/obesity 

Athletes 
 Require energy dense foods
 Focus on muscle maintenance rather than overall wellbeing
 Constantly dehydrated 

Promotion of Good Health

Individuals 
 Making better informed decisions (researching) 
 Eating healthy 
 Partaking in physical activity

Community Groups  
 Many community groups around AUS that focus on promoting good food health  
 Diabetes Australia = aim to improve overall health of people who suffer diabetes 
 Meals on Wheels = provide nutritious meals while monitoring physiological and
psychological wellbeing of people who are frail and recovering from injury/illness 
 Choice= advocacy group providing advice and information for consumers anything
nutrition related 

Government Agencies  
 Create specific groups/organisations that focus on a particular diet related disorder 
 Jump Rope For Heart- helps reduce the epidemic of obesity 
 Create promotions + education about health + diet related disorders on TV shows
such as “ABC”
 AUS Dietary Guidelines + AUS Dietary Guide to Healthy Eating 
 Aim to prevent rather than cure 
 Health statistics gathered by a census to see what groups are lacking 
 Strategies by gov organisations; 
 Writing policies, Drafting official legislation, Running health promotion
campaigns, Liaising w/ advisory groups 

Food Industries 
 Includes; 
 Woolies, Coles, Arnotts, Cadbury 
 Campaigns such as “2 Fruits 5 Vegetables” - implemented to inform consumers on
the correct amount of fruit and veggies needed 
 Have the greatest influence when promoting good health 
 Gov legislations make it mandatory for the food industry to promote good health 
 Tick of approval by the heart foundations has teamed up with Mcdonalds 

Private Agencies 
  Includes; 
 Doctors, dentists, gyms, dietitians, weight loss clinics, sporting groups,
alternative medicine 

Functional Foods 
1. Nutritionally Modified Foods 
 Altering the overall product by; 
 reducing/removing salt content 
 reducing/removing sugar content 
 reducing/removing fat content 
 reducing/removing specific ingredients 

2. Fortified Foods 
 Food has been fortified with nutrients that have been lost during production 
 Eg; Vitamin C in pasteurized orange juice 
 Bread has to be fortified with iodine/fibre 

3. Foods that Contain Natural Preservatives + Curatives 

 Includes fruits/vegetables, oily fish + dairy products

Active Non-Nutrients
 Nutrients that are not essential however enhances overall wellbeing and health of an
individual
 Can be retrieved from a variety of foods + assist in fighting many diseases  

Antioxidants
 Classed as vitamins, flavonoids and carotenoids
 Each antioxidant has an essential role in improving health
 Role:  help remove free radicals from the body
 Vitamin E- helps lower blood cholesterol levels, stops LDL + improves skin quality
 Vitamin  C- helps boost immune system
 Vitamin A-  comes from carotenoids e.g carrots + helps combat forms of cancer 
 Lycopene- found in tomatoes + helps reduce risk of prostate/breast cancer 
 Foods that contain: fruits/veggies, predominantly berries  

Phytochemicals 
 Bacteria that can convert phytoestrogen into hormone like compounds 
 Isoflavonoids found in soy products and lignans (grains + seeds)  
 Helps treat menopause symptoms acting as a substitute for estrogen 
 Founds that contain: grains, seeds (high grain bread) 

Dietary Fibre 
 3 forms of fibre 
1. Soluble (dissolves in water, forms a gel in stomach making you full for longer)
2. Insoluble (doesn’t dissolve in water, usually keeps their original state) 
 3. Resistant Starches (stay in their original form + help lubricate gut inside) 
 Not absorbed by the body but is needed to maintain a healthy digestive system 
 Commonly found in plant foods + acts as a fuel for gut flora 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids 

 Found in foods containing lipids 
 Fatty acids are converted into hormone like substances that help maintain a healthy
heart 
 Contain natural anti-inflammatory properties 
 There is omega 3,6,9 
 Foods that contain: oily fish, fortified foods (butter and eggs)

Probiotics 
 Known as good bacteria + helps synthesize some vitamins 
 Help body recover faster during illness, infection + after surgery 
 Helps promote the growth of flora in the gut 
 Anything with Bacillus at the end is a probiotic 
 Foods that contain: yoghurt, kombucha (fermented foods) 

The Role of Dietary Supplements 

 Widely promoted for good health + replenish what is not gained from food
 Body only needs a limited amount 
 Specific vitamins are stored in fat cells therefore overconsumption can become toxic
to the body and liver
 Multimillion dollar industry + endorsed by celebrities 
 Types: Protein/amino acids, vitamins/minerals (iron, calcium, vitamin c tablets),
probiotics, fibre, fats + oils
Advantages:
 Contribute to improve muscle strength, endurance + overall physical performance
 Used to replace what is not obtained from food especially groups at risk (ATSI)
 Can be used with drugs for treatment
 Women can take folate to nourish their fetus + ensure a healthy child 
Disadvantages:
 People become reliant therefore, don't have a balanced diet
 Can be expensive
 People who lack knowledge of nutrition can be misinformed
 Overconsumption leads to toxicity  

Health and The Role of Diet

Obesity 
 Individuals must maintain a balanced diet with a limited intake of salt, sugars and fats 
 Must partake in moderate physical activity
 Regular check ups
 Alternative medicine 
  Limit intake of carbohydrates
 Energy intake must equal the physical expenditure 

Diabetes 
 Must exercise daily 
 Limit intake of sugars + avoid fatty foods
 Consume natural sugars from fruits/veggies
 Limit intake from carbs 
 Limit alcohol intake 

Cardiovascular Disease 
 Must consume fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, fatty acids 
 Daily physical activities 
 Regular checkups + must maintain hydration 
 Diet high in fibre + avoid foods high in LDL but consume foods with HDL’s

Food Sensitivity 
Allergies 
 Autoimmune response to protein that the body detects as harmful, known as allergens 
 Allergens can be identified as proteins from nuts, dairy products, shellfish, eggs etc
 Adverse effects; immediate response, rashes, difficulty breathing, itchy skin,
restriction of airway, coma + death
 Skin prick test to identify 

Intolerances 
 Nerve ending sensitivity, nerves in digestive tract are sensitive to chemicals like
gluten  
 Occurs anywhere between 10-20 mins after consuming foods that the body doesn't
desire 
 Symptoms; diarrhea, cramps, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, mood swings 
 E.g; lactose intolerance + gluten intolerance 
 Biggest causes of intolerances is malabsorption of nutrients 
 Use elimination diet to identify intolerances 
 Coeliac Disease- condition where the lining of the small bowel is damaged due to the
protein gluten 

Lifestyle + Nutritional Status 

 Lifestyle refers to the way we live, can be either beneficial or detrimental

Exercise 
 Vital component to a healthy lifestyle (abstain from sedentary) + helps maintain
healthy weight range 
 Improve moods + helps brain produce the chemical serotonin, heart pumping/blood
flow 

Alcohol Consumption
 Can increase the risk of ill health + injury 
  Can cause liver damage + problems such as cirrhosis 
 Not recommended for pregnant/lactating women 

Tobacco + Other Drugs 

 Leading cause of emphysema + lung cancer 
 Illicit substances can impact on individuals health causing cancers, diseases etc 
 Smoking inhibits the absorption of vitamin D 

Cultural Practices + Nutritional Status 

 Cultural and religious beliefs play an important role in overall nutritional status
 Certain restrictions + taboos (ban) may not allow to consume foods that contain
essential nutrients
 Muslim: fast during Ramadan + avoid pork, alcohol + everything must be halal
 Hindus: avoid eating beef
 Jewish: have to have a kosher diet = can’t consume foods that derive from the same
animal 
 Buddhists: vegetarians 

Social Practices + Nutritional Status 

 Socialising includes the sharing of foods, leisurely eating (mindful eating, easier to
digest) 
 Social gathering can impact on an individual's nutritional status 
 Examples; birthday parties, work celebrations, cultural events (Christmas), dinners 

Media + Ethical Issues in Advertising 

 Media is a powerful tool used to present info about food products 
 Promotional medium used to attract consumers 
 (ASB) Australian Standards Bureau; implemented to ensure proper ethical standards
are met + provide regulations to what can be advertised + ensure ads are appropriate
for consumers eg kids 
 Advertising strategies used to engage children= Colour, jingles, superheroes,
favourite characters 
 Celebrity endorsements = advertising technique commonly used  
 Cross Promotion=used by fast food business eg KFC and NRL 
 Unethical issues; 
 False advertising (eg milk cures osteoporosis), nudity, sexual references