Deficiency Diseases
Deficiency diseases occur when the body lacks essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. These diseases can affect growth, immunity, and overall health.
Common Deficiency Diseases and Their Causes
| Disease | Nutrient Deficiency | Symptoms | Sources for Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scurvy | Vitamin C | Bleeding gums, weakness, joint pain, slow wound healing | Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), tomatoes, green vegetables |
| Rickets | Vitamin D & Calcium | Weak, soft bones, bowed legs, bone pain | Sunlight, milk, eggs, fish, dairy products |
| Anemia | Iron | Fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath | Green leafy vegetables, red meat, eggs, beans |
| Goiter | Iodine | Swollen thyroid gland (neck), difficulty swallowing | Iodized salt, seafood, dairy products |
| Beriberi | Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | Weak muscles, nerve problems, heart failure | Whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes |
| Pellagra | Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Skin rashes, diarrhea, mental confusion | Meat, fish, peanuts, whole grains |
| Night Blindness | Vitamin A | Poor vision in dim light, dry eyes | Carrots, spinach, liver, dairy products |
| Osteoporosis | Calcium & Vitamin D | Weak, brittle bones, fractures | Dairy products, fish, fortified foods |
| Kwashiorkor | Protein | Swollen belly, muscle wasting, irritability | Meat, eggs, milk, lentils, beans |
| Marasmus | Protein & Calorie Deficiency | Extreme thinness, weakness, growth failure | Balanced diet with proteins and carbohydrates |
Prevention of Deficiency Diseases
✅ Eating a balanced diet rich in all essential nutrients
✅ Getting enough sunlight for Vitamin D
✅ Including iron and protein-rich foods for proper growth and energy
✅ Using iodized salt to prevent thyroid disorders