Explain deficiency diseases with causes and prevention.
Deficiency diseases are health problems caused by the long-term lack of one or more essential nutrients, such as vitamins or minerals, in the diet. They affect normal growth, body functions, and overall health. The type of disease depends on which nutrient is lacking.
| Deficiency Disease | Nutrient Deficiency | Common Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night blindness | Vitamin A | Poor vision in dim light, dry eyes | Eat carrots, spinach, mangoes, papaya, milk, and eggs. |
| Scurvy | Vitamin C | Bleeding gums, poor wound healing, weakness | Eat citrus fruits, amla, guava, tomatoes, and capsicum. |
| Rickets | Vitamin D | Weak bones, bowed legs, delayed growth | Get adequate sunlight and eat fortified milk, eggs, and fatty fish. |
| Anaemia | Iron | Tiredness, pale skin, weakness | Eat green leafy vegetables, pulses, beans, jaggery, meat, and iron-fortified foods. |
| Goitre | Iodine | Swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck | Use iodised salt and consume iodine-rich foods. |
Deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and other nutrient-rich foods. Maintaining good eating habits and following dietary recommendations also help ensure the body receives all the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.