What are Deficiency Diseases?

Deficiency Diseases: A Comprehensive Overview

Deficiency diseases refer to the illnesses that are caused by an inadequate amount of necessary nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, in an individual's diet over a prolonged time period. These diseases can differ from mild to severe and can affect different bodily functions.

When does Deficiency Diseases occur?

Deficiency diseases occur when the body does not get enough essential nutrients. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, proteins, macronutrients and carbohydrates. The body needs them to function properly. Without them, a person may suffer from various health problems. The symptoms of deficiency diseases include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, poor concentration, hair loss, shortness of breath, etc.

Nutrients help in growth, development, and maintaining overall health. When the body lacks any essential nutrient for a long time, it leads to specific diseases known as deficiency diseases. These diseases can affect different parts of the body and cause serious health complications if not treated in time.

Approximately 80% Indians suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin B9. When there is a deficiency of essential organic components, it hampers the normal functions of the body and promotes severe medical conditions. A neglected deficiency disease can lead to heart disease, multi-organ failure, and permanent vision loss.

What Causes Deficiency Diseases?

The causes of deficiency diseases include inadequate, poor absorption, food processing, increased requirements, poverty and lack of food access. 

• An inadequate diet is when you intake food that lacks essential nutrients.
• Poor absorption is a medical condition where the body lacks the capability to absorb certain nutrients from food.
• Overcooked or processed foods lose essential vitamins and minerals.
• Increased requirements during certain stages of life, like pregnancy or illness, may elevate the body’s need for specific nutrients and lead to deficiency.
• Digestive diseases like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease can interfere with nutrient absorption.
• Many people cannot afford nutritious food, which also leads to deficiencies.
• Some medicines, like antacids or diuretics, may have side effects like reduced nutrient absorption that can cause deficiency diseases.

Additional Causes of Deficiency Diseases

Based on the lack of certain nutrition deficiency, there are various types of deficiency diseases such as:

Vitamin Deficiency Diseases

Vitamins are essential for different functions in the body. A lack of specific vitamins can lead to various health problems.

• Vitamin A Deficiency (Night Blindness): This leads to impaired vision in low light conditions.
• Vitamin B1 Deficiency (BeriBeri): Results in weakness, weight loss, and cardiovascular issues.
• Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy): Causes bleeding gums, joint pain, and fatigue.
• Vitamin D Deficiency (Rickets): This leads to weak or soft bones and causes skeletal deformities in children.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency (Anemia): Results in fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues.

Mineral Deficiency Diseases

Minerals like iron, calcium, iodine, and zinc are vital for body functions. Their deficiency can cause serious health issues.

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Caused by insufficient iron and leads to reduced red blood cell production.
• Calcium Deficiency (Osteoporosis): This leads to weakened bones and increased fracture risk.
• Iodine Deficiency (Goiter): Causes thyroid gland enlargement, which leads to swelling in the neck.
• Zinc Deficiency: Impairs immune function, delays wound healing and causes hair loss.

Protein Deficiency Diseases

Proteins are necessary for muscle growth and repair. Their deficiency can lead to severe health problems.

• Kwashiorkor: Characterised by swelling, irritability, and an enlarged liver.
• Marasmus: This leads to severe weight loss and muscle wasting.
• Calorie Deficiency Disease: Lack of calories can lead to severe malnutrition.
• Marasmus: This disease is also caused by calorie deficiency and leads to severe undernourishment.

Deficiency Diseases Symptoms

There are many symptoms of deficiency diseases. Here are the deficiency disease symptoms:

• Pale Skin: Because of iron deficiency anaemia, in which there aren't sufficient RBCs (red blood cells)and reduced hemoglobin production.
• Fatigue and Weakness: A symptom across several deficiencies, warning the body does not have enough energy or building blocks.
• Slow Wound Healing: Vitamins and minerals are important in tissue repair and regeneration. 
• Muscle Weakness: This may be because of electrolyte imbalances or deficiencies in particular vitamins and minerals necessary for muscle function.
• Irritability and Depression: A few deficiencies, especially in B vitamins and magnesium, can impact mood and mental health.
• Shortness of Breath and Dizziness: Might be a sign of anaemia or other deficiencies affecting oxygen transport. 

The other specific symptoms of deficiency diseases include

• Night Blindness: This occurs because of vitamin A deficiency that can impair the eyes' capability to modify to low-light conditions. 
• Goitre: This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland because of the iodine deficiency. 
• Brittle Nails or Hair Loss: These could be the signs of deficiencies in iron, zinc, or necessary fatty acids. 
• Mouth Sores or Angular Cheilitis: This condition is often connected to the deficiencies in iron, B vitamins, or vitamin C.

Tingling or Numbness in Extremities: This could be a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency or other nerve-related problems.

How Can You Prevent Deficiency Diseases?

Deficiency diseases can be prevented and treated by following some simple steps as follows:

• Eating a Balanced Diet: Make sure to fill your plate with a variety of fruits, veggies, dairy, meats, fish, and whole grains every day.
• Taking Supplements: If dietary intake is not enough, supplements can help meet nutrient needs, but excessive intake can be harmful.
• Fortified Foods: Many staple foods like cereals, milk, and salt are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Hydration: Proper hydration helps with nutrient absorption and overall health.
• Meal Planning: Planning balanced meals ensures adequate nutrient intake.
• Getting Enough Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D.
• Avoiding Processed Foods: Fresh, whole foods are packed with more nutrients compared to their processed counterparts.
• Regular Health Check-Ups: Monitoring nutrient levels can help detect deficiencies early.

Deficiency diseases can affect people of all ages. A healthy diet, proper medical care, and a good lifestyle can help prevent these conditions. If left untreated, deficiencies can cause severe health problems. Maintaining a balanced diet is the best way to stay healthy and avoid nutrient-related diseases. 

What are the 10 deficiency diseases?

The 10 deficiency diseases include scurvy, rickets, protein-energy malnutrition, beriberi, hypocalcaemia, vitamin K deficiency, Iodine Deficiency Disorders, pellagra, xerophthalmia, and iron deficiency.

What is a deficiency disease?

A deficiency disease refers to a state or a condition occurring because of a dietary or metabolic deficiency. Also, all the diseases caused by an inadequate supply of necessary nutrients, i.e., protein (or amino acids), vitamins, and minerals, are included under this term.

What does a deficiency symptom mean?

Deficiency symptoms include mouth ulcers, brittle hair and nails, scaly skin patches, hair loss, etc. Knowing these signs helps you modify your diet as per them. A nutritious and well-balanced diet has several benefits.

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