Deficiency Diseases and Disorders

Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition caused by a general deficiency of both protein and total calories (energy).

• Kwashiorkor, also known as “edematous malnutrition” because of its association with edema (fluid retention), is a nutritional disorder most often seen in regions experiencing famine. It is a form of malnutrition caused by a lack of protein in the diet. People who have kwashiorkor typically have an extremely emaciated appearance in all body parts except their ankles, feet, and belly, which swell with fluid. Kwashiorkor is most common in countries where there is a limited supply or lack of food. It is mostly found in children and infants in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America. Its symptoms include (1) change in skin and hair colour (to a rust colour) and texture (2) edema (swelling) of the ankles, feet, and belly.

• Marasmus is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition that results when a person does not consume enough protein and calories. Without these vital nutrients, energy levels become dangerously low and vital functions begin to stop. Both adults and children can have marasmus, but it most often affects young children in developing countries. Over time, a person with marasmus will lose body tissue and fat in their face. Similarly, their bones become visible under their skin, and folds of skin develop from the loss of body mass. Their eyes may appear sunken.

• Marasmus is a form of malnutrition.
•  Marasmus is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition that results when a person does not consume enough protein and calories. Without these vital nutrients, energy levels become dangerously low and vital functions begin to stop. 
• A child with marasmus may not grow as children usually do. Hence, Marasmus disease is caused due to Protein deficiency.

Vitamin A is essential for the production of rhodopsin in the retina. Deficiency leads to difficulty seeing in low light, known as night blindness.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required for collagen synthesis. Its deficiency results in scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums and poor wound healing.

Scurvy is a classic deficiency disease caused by a lack of Vitamin C. Leukemia, Addison's disease, and Acromegaly are not caused by simple dietary vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Rickets is a childhood bone disorder caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption.

Bleeding gums and scurvy are hallmark signs of Vitamin C deficiency.

Kwashiorkor is caused by protein deficiency, and Beri-beri is caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency. Both are classified as deficiency diseases.

Meat, eggs, and milk are rich in protein and B vitamins, but they contain little to no Vitamin C. A diet consisting only of these foods will eventually lead to scurvy.

Keratomalacia is a severe eye condition resulting from advanced Vitamin A deficiency, where the cornea becomes soft and opaque.

Rickets: This condition is due to a lack of vitamin D, which causes the body to be unable to absorb or deposit calcium.

Hence, Option D is correct.

Hypochromic (pale) and microcytic (small) anemia is typically caused by iron deficiency. Macrocytic anemia is usually caused by Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Given the options, iron deficiency is the most common cause of hypochromic anemia.

Pernicious anaemia marked by a decrease in the number of red blood cells which is caused by a reduced ability to absorb vitamin $B _{12}$.

Anaemia is most commonly caused by a deficiency of iron (Fe), which is essential for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells. While other minerals are important for health, iron deficiency is the primary nutritional cause of anaemia.