Question 5:What do you understand by the term Hidden Hunger? Name any two conditions classified under Hidden Hunger.
The correct answer is -Hidden hunger refers to a form of malnutrition that occurs when a person’s diet lacks sufficient amounts of essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, even though they may be consuming enough calories. This form of malnutrition is called hidden hunger because it may not be visible or immediately apparent, and people may not even be aware that they are suffering from a nutritional deficiency.
Two conditions classified under hidden hunger are:
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Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency is one of the most common forms of hidden hunger and is a leading cause of anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Iron is an essential mineral that is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and impaired immune function.
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Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient that is important for vision, immune function, and cell growth and development. Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and can also impair immune function, increase the risk of infections, and lead to impaired growth and development. Vitamin A deficiency is particularly common in developing countries where people may have limited access to foods that are rich in this vitamin, such as fruits and vegetables.
