Nutrition, according to G.O. Obigbesan of the University of Ibadan, the supply and absorption of chemical compounds needed for growth and metabolism. It has been stated that the quality of nutrition dictate individual longevity.
The protein-calorie malnutrition is the most important forms of malnutrition in Nigeria, which manifests clinically as nutritional marasmus and kwashiorkor. Marasmus is a feature of energy deficiency while kwarshiokor is of protein deficiency. Kwarshiokor leads to slow growth rate, poor development, increased susceptibility to infections, and eventually, to physical stunting. Nutrition drew the world’s attention in 1950, with the realization of kwarshiokor’s lethalness in developing countries.
An adequate diet consists of sufficient energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, micronutrients, which includes vitamins and minerals, and dietary fibre, among other components needed to satisfy body needs. Vegetarian Seventh Day Adventist children have slower growth and are leaner, but they experience lower mortalities due to lower incidence of degenerative diseases.
