Biology
Deficiency Diseases and Disorders
722 Questions
Deficiency diseases and disorders are caused by a lack of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the diet or environment. This includes conditions like anemia, goitre, and night blindness. Practice these questions to prepare for general science exams.
Vitamin deficiency symptomsMineral deficiency disordersMalnutrition conceptsHormonal and specific diseases
Deficiency Diseases and Disorders Questions
-
Iron
-
Vitamin A
-
Fluorine
-
Iodine
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Iodine is abundantly available in seawater and is used to treat iodine deficiency disorders like goiter. Seafoods and iodized salt are common sources. The deficiency causes thyroid problems and was historically common in landlocked regions.
-
Protein Deficiency
-
Vitamin Deficiency
-
Iron Deficiency
-
Mineral Deficiency
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Anemia is most commonly caused by iron deficiency, which reduces hemoglobin production needed for oxygen transport in red blood cells. While vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate) and protein deficiencies can cause specific anemia types, iron deficiency is the most prevalent cause globally, especially in women.
-
Sugar
-
Insulin
-
Vitamins
-
Calcium
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Diabetes (specifically Type 1) is caused by insufficient insulin production by the pancreas. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels - without it, glucose cannot enter cells efficiently. Sugar doesn't "cause" diabetes (though excess intake is a risk factor for Type 2), and vitamin deficiency is unrelated.
-
cirrhosis
-
scurvy
-
osteoarthritis
-
hemophilia
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Scurvy is caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, resulting in symptoms like bleeding gums, weak connective tissue, and poor wound healing. Cirrhosis is from liver damage, osteoarthritis is joint degeneration, and hemophilia is genetic.
-
Vitamin A
-
Vitamin C
-
Vitamin B12
-
Vitamin E
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Pernicious anemia is caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, specifically due to lack of intrinsic factor needed for B12 absorption. It causes megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin A, C, and E deficiencies cause different conditions (night blindness, scurvy, and neurological issues respectively).
-
Vitamin A
-
Vitamin K
-
Vitamin D
-
Vitamin B3
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Pellagra is caused by Vitamin B3 (Niacin) deficiency. It is characterized by the '3 Ds' or '4 Ds': dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death if untreated. It was common in populations dependent on corn as a staple food.
-
Vitamin C
-
Vitamin D
-
Vitamin A
-
Vitamin K
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Vitamin K deficiency causes bleeding disorders because Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. It is required for the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. The question misspells 'clot' as 'clott'.
-
Vitamin A
-
Vitamin C
-
Vitamin E
-
Vitamin D
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Sunlight exposure triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Without adequate vitamin D, children's bones become soft and deformed, causing rickets.
-
Iodine
-
Vitamin D
-
Vitamin B-6
-
Vitamin C
-
Pernicious anemia
-
High Bone Fever
-
Muscle Pain
-
Depression
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Cobalt is an essential component of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is required for red blood cell formation and neurological function. Absence of cobalt (and thus Vitamin B12) leads to pernicious anemia, a condition where the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells. This causes fatigue, weakness, and neurological problems. The other options are not related to cobalt deficiency.
-
Vitamin B1
-
Vitamin A
-
Vitamin C
-
Vitamin K
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Beri-Beri is caused by deficiency of Vitamin B1 (thiamine). It affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems, causing symptoms like muscle weakness, nerve damage, and heart problems. Other options listed cause different conditions: Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness, Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, and Vitamin K deficiency affects blood clotting.
-
Anemia
-
Beri-beri
-
Night Blindness
-
Scurvy
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Vitamin A deficiency causes Night Blindness (nyctalopia) - difficulty seeing in low light or darkness. Vitamin A is essential for the pigment rhodopsin in the retina. Other options are incorrect: Anemia is often caused by iron or B12 deficiency, Beri-Beri is caused by B1 deficiency, and Scurvy results from Vitamin C deficiency.
-
Vit A
-
Vit B2
-
Vit C
-
Vit B6
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Scurvy is caused by Vitamin C deficiency. It results in collagen synthesis problems, leading to bleeding gums, joint pain, and fatigue. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for collagen production and antioxidant function.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Beriberi is a condition caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It became common in populations whose diet consisted mainly of polished rice, which lacks the B1-rich bran layer.
-
Protein
-
Iodine
-
Vitamin D
-
Vitamin E
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Marasmus and Kwashiorkor are both protein-energy malnutrition disorders. Marasmus results from overall calorie deficiency, while Kwashiorkor specifically results from protein deficiency despite adequate calorie intake. Iodine deficiency causes goiter, Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, and Vitamin E deficiency causes neurological problems.