Problem
Nutritionally-induced mental illness
Other Names:
Mental inefficiency related to dietMental impairment from inadequate nutrition
Nature:
A considerable proportion of waking life is devoted to the use of the brain in the solution of problems. Inadequate diet and substance abuse inhibit performance of the brain.
Incidence:
Laboratory tests indicate substantial improvement in non-verbal intelligence, by supplementing the diets with minerals and vitamins. It is as yet uncertain how general and how important this effect may be. Several studies have found significant correlations between indices of alcohol consumption and measures of cognitive function (abstract problems, problem solving and memory tests) among moderate drinkers. Alcohol can damage cell membranes in the brain and can impair the absorption and metabolism of vitamins, in particular vitamin B1 which is important for the function of brain enzymes.
Broader Problems:
Intellectual disability Human deficiency diseasesMental illness in childrenObstacles to learning due to hunger Narrower Problems:
Iodine deficiency disordersAlcoholic dementiaDamage to infant brains from malnutrition Related Problems:
Nutritional blindnessPersonal physical disfigurementSubstance abuse during control of complex equipment Strategies:
Improving nutritional value of staple foodsStudying micronutrient deficienciesCorrecting vitamin deficiencies in diet Subject(s):
Cybernetics → Cybernetics Health Care → Handicapped
Health Care → Mental health
Health Care → Nutrition
Medicine → Pathology
Societal Problems → Inadequacy
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST