Question

Define vitamins. How are they classified? Describe any three vitamin deficiency diseases along with their symptoms.
(8 Marks)

Answer 1

Vitamins are organic substances. They are micronutrients i.e., they are required in small quantities.

(1 Mark)

Vitamins are classified into two groups based on their solubility in water or fats

• Water-soluble vitamins: B-complex, vitamin C
• Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamin A, D, E, and K.

(1 Mark)
Thiamine (B1) deficiency disease - Beri Beri
Symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, paralysis.

(2 Mark)
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) deficiency disease - Scurvy
Symptoms: Delay in the healing of wounds
(2 Marks)
Retinol (Vitamin A) deficiency disease - Eye, skin diseases
Symptoms: Night blindness, xeropthalmia, cornea failure, scaly skin.
(2 Marks)