Question

Name three diseases that occur due to the deficiency of minerals. [3 MARKS]

Answer 1

Diseases: 1 Mark each

Any three:

1. Iron deficiency: Lack of iron in the diet leads to a deficiency disease called anaemia.
Symptoms of anaemia include headaches, dark patches under the eyes and general weakness.

2. Iodine deficiency: Lack of iodine in the diet leads to a deficiency disease called goitre.
In adults, goitre results in swelling of glands near the throat. In children, iodine deficiency causes stunted mental and physical development.

3. Calcium deficiency: Lack of calcium in the diet makes the bones weak and brittle. It can also cause tooth decay.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency are weak bones and teeth, stunted growth and excessive bleeding from wounds.

4. Phosphorous deficiency: Lack of phosphorous in the diet makes the bones weak and brittle. It also causes improper functioning of the heart and muscles and causes errors in the formation of DNA.
Symptoms include fragile bones and teeth, and disorders in the muscular system.