Diseases Caused By Deficiency Of Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins and Minerals – Deficiency Diseases

Deficiency of Vitamins
Table lists some important vitamins and their sources, functions, deficiency diseases, and symptoms.

Vitamin and sources

FunctionDeficiency disease

Symptoms

A

Sources: Green leafy vegetables, fruits, butter, egg yolk, carrots, and fish

Keeps eyes, hair, and skin healthyNight blindnessDryness of eyes; improper vision
B1

Sources: Eggs, whole grains, and sprouts

Aids in digestion; maintains nervous systemBeriberiInflammation of nerves; digestive problems and heart abnormalities
B2

Sources: Eggs, milk, and green leafy vegetables

Keeps skin and mouth healthySkin disordersIrritation of eyes; skin and intestinal disorders; inflammation of the tongue
B12

Sources: Meat

Formation of red blood cellsAnaemiaPale skin; lack of stamina and appetite; frequent headaches
C

Sources: Citrus fruits like lime, orange, and lemon; tomatoes and sprouts

Helps to resist infections and keeps teeth, gums, and joints healthyScurvyLoosening of teeth; spongy and bleeding gums; increased susceptibility to diseases; slow healing of wounds; weakness; pain in the limbs
D,

Sources: Milk, fish, and eggs; sunlight

Aids in the normal growth of bones in childrenRicketsWeak bones; joint and bone deformities like bow legs and pigeon chest; softening of ribs; protruding abdomen
K

Sources: Spinach, cabbage, or any other green leafy vegetable

Helps in blood clotting (to stop bleeding)Haemorrhage (excessive bleeding)Affects clotting of blood

Some vitamins are very sensitive to heat and light. For example, vitamin C is easily destroyed during cooking. Therefore, vitamin C-rich food items should be eaten raw.

Scurvy was common among sailors in ancient times. Due to lack of cure, several sailors died of this disease during long voyages. In the 18th century, James Lind found that eating citrus fruits reduced the occurrence of scurvy in sailors.

Deficiency of Minerals
Table lists some important minerals and their sources, functions, deficiency diseases, and symptoms. Minerals also assist in certain chemical reactions in the body. Cooking does not destroy them.

Mineral and sources

FunctionDeficiency disease

Symptoms

Calcium

Sources: Milk and green leafy vegetables

Strengthens bones and teeth and helps in clotting of bloodOsteoporosis in adults.

Rickets in children

Brittle bones; excessive bleeding; stunted growth; weak teeth and bones
Phosphorus

Sources: Cereals, pulses (dal), and milk

Strengthens bones and teethRickets in childrenWeakening of bones; poor development of bones and nervous system; mental retardation; retarded growth; loss of weight
Iron

Sources: Cereals, pulses, meat, and green leafy vegetables

Helps in the formation of haemoglobin and red blood cellsAnaemia.

Pale body colour; body fatigue; white nails; loss of weight; swelling in hands and feet

Iodine

Sources: Fish and salt

Required for proper working of the thyroid glandGoitreEnlargement of the thyroid gland; mental retardation; retarded growth
Sodium and potassium

Sources: Salt and most food items

Help in maintaining body’s water balanceBody and muscle weakness

Paralysis

General weakness; dehydration
Magnesium

Sources: Green leafy vegetables, cereals, chicken, and fish

Regulates the functioning of muscles and nervesWeak muscles and nervesLoss of appetite; upset stomach; sleeplessness