Question

Explain different types of deficiency diseases.

Answer 1

1. Deficiency diseases: These are the diseases that are caused by the lack of certain essential nutrients, specifically vitamins and minerals, in an individual's diet over a long period of time.

Types of deficiency diseases:

1. Vitamin deficiency diseases-

Beriberi:

1. Deficiency of Vitamin B causes beriberi.
2. It causes weak muscles and extreme weight loss.
3. Acute deficiency of Vitamin B can also lead to paralysis and heart failure.

Scurvy:

1. Deficiency of Vitamin C can cause scurvy.
2. It is a disease which causes bleeding gums, spots on the skin and swollen joints.
3. It also affects the immune system and can also prove to be fatal in severe conditions.

Rickets:

1. Deficiency of Vitamin D causes rickets.
2. It causes weak bones, especially the joints.
3. It can also cause tooth decay.

2. Mineral deficiency diseases-

Goitre:

1. Lack of Iodine causes Goitre.
2. Iodine is the most important element required development of the brain of the developing foetus.
3. It is responsible for a variety of other functions such as hormone production.
4. Salt is an important source of Iodine.
5. The deficiency of iodine causes Goitre.

Anaemia:

1. Iron, is the major constituent of haemoglobin.
2. It carries oxygen from the lungs to different cells of the body.
3. Lack of iron causes Anaemia.
4. It is a condition where the blood is unable to carry oxygen to the tissues, and can also result in death.
5. Red meat, spinach, poultry, etc. are some examples of foods rich in Iron.