“Deficiency diseases” are medical conditions that arise from the lack of essential nutrients in the body.
These nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates, are vital for maintaining physiological functions, growth, and overall well-being.
These conditions can impact various systems in the body, depending on the specific nutrient lacking.
They often lead to impaired physical and mental development, weakened immunity, and chronic health issues if left unaddressed.
Types of Essential Nutrients
The human body requires a balanced intake of six major nutrient categories to function optimally:
Some Common Deficiency Diseases
Causes of Deficiency Diseases
Deficiency diseases can result from a variety of factors.
One of the primary causes is poor dietary intake, which occurs when individuals fail to consume sufficient amounts of nutrient-rich foods.
Always ensure you consume a balanced diet to avoid deficiency related diseases.
Another significant factor is malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, which impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients properly.
Chewing the food you eat properly will significantly help with better food absorption.
Additionally, socioeconomic factors can play a major role, as financial constraints may limit access to a balanced and nutritious diet.
Most importantly, babies under the age of 24 months need to have a great source of nutrient rich foods in order to support overall development.
Not having nutritious food in this phase of life is linked to low IQ and lower quality of life.
Lastly, certain health conditions, including chronic illnesses or surgeries, can disrupt digestion and nutrient utilization, leading to deficiencies.
Symptoms and Health Implications
The symptoms of deficiency diseases vary depending on the specific nutrient involved.
Some symptoms like lowered IQ are not usually diagnosed quickly and aren’t immediately associated with poor nutrition.
However, some common signs include fatigue and weakness, delayed growth in children, and skin abnormalities such as dryness or rashes.
Bone pain or deformities and cognitive impairments, including mood disturbances, may also occur.
If left untreated, these conditions can escalate, potentially causing severe complications like organ damage, chronic illnesses, or even death.
Diagnosis and Testing Methods
Diagnosing deficiency diseases typically involves a combination of approaches.
A physical examination is often the first step, during which healthcare providers look for visible symptoms like skin changes or swelling.
Blood tests are crucial for measuring nutrient levels in the bloodstream and identifying deficiencies.
A dietary assessment may also be conducted to analyse eating habits and uncover potential nutrient gaps.
In cases involving bone-related deficiencies, imaging studies such as X-rays can reveal structural abnormalities, aiding in diagnosis.
