Common deficiency diseases are conditions that occur due to a lack of essential nutrients in the diet. Here are some of the most prevalent deficiency diseases along with their associated nutrient deficiencies:
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Scurvy
- Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Symptoms: Fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and anemia.
- Reference: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fact Sheet on Vitamin C.
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Rickets (in children) / Osteomalacia (in adults)
- Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate
- Symptoms: Bone pain, delayed growth, and deformities.
- Reference: NIH Fact Sheet on Vitamin D.
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Beriberi
- Nutrient Deficiency: Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- Symptoms: Nerve, cardiovascular issues, muscle weakness.
- Reference: NIH Fact Sheet on Thiamine.
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Pellagra
- Nutrient Deficiency: Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Symptoms: Dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia (the three D's).
- Reference: NIH Fact Sheet on Niacin.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Nutrient Deficiency: Iron
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath.
- Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Iron Deficiency Anemia.
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Goiter
- Nutrient Deficiency: Iodine
- Symptoms: Enlargement of the thyroid gland; can also affect metabolism.
- Reference: World Health Organization (WHO) on Iodine Deficiency.
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Vitamin A Deficiency
- Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin A
- Symptoms: Night blindness, increased risk of infection, and skin issues.
- Reference: WHO Factsheet on Vitamin A Deficiency.
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Folate Deficiency Anemia
- Nutrient Deficiency: Folate (Vitamin B9)
- Symptoms: Presence of large red blood cells, fatigue, and weakness.
- Reference: NIH Fact Sheet on Folate.
General References
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Micronutrient Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Vitamin and Mineral Information
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Nutritional Deficiencies Information
If you need more specific information or references, please let me know!