Name the diseases and describe the symptoms resulting from deficiencies of vitamin C (scurvy), vitamin D (rickets), calcium (rickets) and iron (anaemia)

Sourav PanNovember 2, 2024

Answered

Here’s a summary of the diseases caused by deficiencies of vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and iron, along with their symptoms:

1. Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)

Symptoms:

• Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
• Irritability: Increased mood swings and irritability.
• Joint and Muscle Pain: Aches, particularly in the legs and arms.
• Swollen and Bleeding Gums: Gums become spongy, bleed easily, and may lead to tooth loss.
• Bruising Easily: Skin bruises with minimal pressure; red or blue spots may appear on the skin.
• Slow Wound Healing: Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
• Corkscrew Hairs: Hair may become twisted or break easily.

Scurvy is primarily caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet for an extended period, typically several months.

2. Rickets (Vitamin D Deficiency)

Symptoms:

• Bone Pain and Tenderness: Discomfort in bones, particularly in the spine, pelvis, and legs.
• Delayed Growth: Children may experience slowed growth and development.
• Skeletal Deformities: Bowed legs or curvature of the spine (kyphosis).
• Weakness: Generalized muscle weakness.
• Dental Problems: Delayed dental eruption and increased cavities.

Rickets occurs due to insufficient vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption in bones.

3. Rickets (Calcium Deficiency)

While rickets is primarily associated with vitamin D deficiency, it can also result from inadequate calcium intake. The symptoms overlap with those of vitamin D deficiency.

4. Anaemia (Iron Deficiency)

Symptoms:

• Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness due to insufficient oxygen transport in the blood.
• Pale Skin and Mucous Membranes: A noticeable paleness in skin color and inside the mouth.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing during physical activities due to reduced hemoglobin levels.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or dizzy, especially upon standing up quickly.
• Cold Hands and Feet: Poor circulation can lead to cold extremities.
• Brittle Nails: Nails may become weak or brittle.

Anaemia occurs due to a lack of sufficient iron, which is necessary for producing hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Summary

These deficiencies highlight the importance of a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients:

• Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy) leads to symptoms like fatigue, bleeding gums, and joint pain.
• Vitamin D Deficiency (Rickets) results in bone pain, skeletal deformities, and growth issues.
• Calcium Deficiency, while often linked with vitamin D deficiency, can also contribute to rickets-like symptoms.
• Iron Deficiency (Anaemia) causes fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and other systemic symptoms.