NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY RELATED DISORDERS

What Is Selenium? Selenium is a mineral that is required by the body  in trace amounts for a healthy immune system, normal thyroid function, and antioxidant protection. Selenium is absolutely required in the production of at least 30 selenoproteins in the ...

What Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)? Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called ischemic heart disease, is a gradual narrowing of medium and large arteries of the heart by fatty buildups, called atherosclerotic plaques. It is characterized by slowly developing interference with blood flow to heart ...

What Is Non-Infectious Blepharitis? Non-infectious blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids that is NOT caused by an invading organism but rather nutritional deficiencies. It is characterized by non-ulcerative inflammation of the hair follicles and lacrimal glands along the eyelid edges. Q: ...

What Is Fecal Occult Blood In Children? The presence of fecal occult blood in children is caused by minimal bleeding of less than a tablespoon a day in the gastrointestinal tract which leads to iron deficiency. Bleeding is abnormal and ...

What Is Delayed Puberty In Girls? Delayed puberty in girls is a concerning condition characterized by decreased functional activity of the ovaries resulting in late onset of ovulation and secondary sex characteristics. Q: When should puberty in girls begin? A: ...

What Is Hypotonia? Hypotonia is impairment  of muscle contraction that is characterized by abnormally low muscle tension or flaccid muscles.  Normally, even when relaxed, muscles have a very small amount of contraction or tone that gives them a springy feel and provides ...

What Is Osteopenia In Childhood? Osteopenia is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by diminished bone mass with the retention of normal cell appearance and high bone turnover. That is, bone production does not keep up with bone loss. Bones looks ...

What Is Refractory Iron Deficiency Anemia In Childhood? Refractory iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a microcytic (small cell) type anemia. It is characterized by formation of abnormally small, pale red blood cells and iron depletion, or inadequate iron content in ...

What Is Failure To Thrive And Growth Retardation? Failure to thrive (FTT) and growth retardation are conditions affecting children characterized by weight consistently below the 3rd percentile for age or a decrease in the expected rate of growth based on ...

What Is Spina Bifida? Spina bifida is a congenital defect of neural tube closure and among the commonest and most severe disorders of the fetus and newborn.1 Spina bifida is a defect in the walls of the spinal canal in ...

What Are Congenital Anomalies? Congenital anomalies are malformations present in the infant at birth. Q: What anomalies are present at birth? A: Some anomalies are inherited while others are caused by a harmful environmental factor during pregnancy such as diet, ...

What Is Down Syndrome? Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder (present at birth) characterized by consequence of having an extra chromosome 21 or 22.  Down syndrome is typically caused by what is called nondisjunction. Q: What is nondisjunction? A: Nondisjunction ...

What Is Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia In Pregnancy? Severe iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is characterized by abnormal formation of small, pale red blood cells that impair the ability of the fetus to obtain adequate oxygen for proper growth and ...

What Is Infertility in Males? Infertility in males is characterized by inability to either produce sperm or to produce viable sperm or mobile sperm resulting in prohibiting fertilization of the female ovum (egg). To the left is a false-colour scanning ...

What Is Impotence? Impotence is an erectile dysfunction disorder in males characterized by the distressing inability to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for coitus. What Is Impotence In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?