The man was indeed suffering from malnutrition after only eating bread and water for five weeks, due to insufficient variety of nutrients in his diet.
True or false: After a diet of nothing but bread and water for five weeks, the man was clearly suffering from malnutrition. The answer is true. This type of restrictive diet does not provide enough variance in nutrients that the body requires to function properly. Malnutrition can occur even when a person consumes enough calories, like from bread, if the diet lacks an adequate supply of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This condition could lead to what is referred to as undernutrition, where the body does not receive essential nutrients and energy needed for maintenance and growth.
According to nutritional biology, it's known that a balanced diet is essential to prevent malnutrition. Heavily processed foods or a diet lacking variety can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Similarly, during fasting or diets like the bread and water example, the body initially consumes glycogen, then fats, and eventually starts breaking down proteins, which can include muscle mass, leading to serious health consequences.