Deficiency Diseases and Disorders

Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, a condition where bones become soft and weak, especially in growing children. Colour blindness is genetic, wickets is a cricket term unrelated to nutrition, and nausea is a symptom not a deficiency syndrome.

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, where the body produces abnormally large red blood cells that can't function properly. Paralysis is not a direct result, spoon shaped nails indicate iron deficiency, and malaria is an infectious disease.

Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness (difficulty seeing in low light conditions) and can lead to complete blindness if untreated. Colour blindness is a genetic condition, short sightedness is a refractive error, and myophia is not a recognized medical term.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency causes Pellagra, a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis. Rickets is caused by Vitamin D deficiency, while blindness can result from Vitamin A deficiency. Niacin is essential for energy metabolism and DNA repair.

Iron deficiency causes Anemia, a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen. Pneumonia, Malaria, and Dengue are infectious diseases not caused by nutritional deficiencies. Iron is crucial for hemoglobin production.

Vitamin C deficiency causes Scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums, joint pain, and fatigue. Oliguria is reduced urine output, Hepatitis is liver inflammation, and Rickets is caused by Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis.

Cheilosis, characterized by cracks and inflammation at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), is a classic sign of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency. This condition is one of the most common manifestations of B-complex vitamin deficiencies.

Scurvy is caused by Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Without adequate Vitamin C, the body cannot synthesize collagen properly, leading to bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and characteristic skin lesions. This was historically common among sailors on long voyages.

Rickets is caused by Vitamin D deficiency, which leads to impaired calcium and phosphorus absorption. Without adequate Vitamin D, bones cannot mineralize properly, causing soft and deformed bones, particularly in growing children. The condition can be prevented with adequate sunlight exposure.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency can cause neurological symptoms including convulsions, particularly in infants and children. Pyridoxine is crucial for neurotransmitter synthesis including GABA, and its deficiency can lead to seizures that may be unresponsive to standard anticonvulsants but respond to B6 supplementation.

Pernicious anaemia is caused by Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency, specifically due to impaired intrinsic factor production needed for B12 absorption. This leads to megaloblastic anaemia where bone marrow produces large, immature red blood cells. The condition requires B12 injections or high-dose oral supplementation for treatment.

Beri-beri is caused by Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. There are two forms: wet beri-beri (cardiovascular) and dry beri-beri (nervous system). Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. The condition is still seen in populations with polished rice diets and in alcoholics with poor nutrition.