In today’s scenario, vitamin deficiency diseases have been observed in laboratory animals and humans. In human experience, multiple deficiencies are frequently present at the same time. The eight B-complex vitamins work together in various enzyme systems and metabolic pathways, so a shortage in one can impact the functioning of others. Even when extremely health-conscious, we frequently fail to obtain all the nutrients we require solely through our food. At the cellular level, nutrient shortages affect biological activities and processes. Water balance, enzyme function, and metabolism are examples of these activities. These signs and symptoms are your body’s method of alerting you to possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
What is meant by deficiency disease?
Any condition induced by a lack of an important nutrient is a deficiency disease, such as vitamin deficiency or protein deficiency. A well-balanced diet is critical to a person’s overall health. Any dietary imbalance could result in an excess or insufficient consumption of particular nutrients. A short illness can result from a lack of a certain nutrient.
Any nutrient-related sickness or condition that causes illness in humans is referred to as deficiency diseases or excesses, obesity, eating disorders, and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, and diabetes mellitus are only a few examples. Dietary irregularities that can be averted, genetic metabolic illnesses that respond to dietary treatment, the interaction of foods and nutrients with medications, food allergies and intolerances, and potential food supply dangers are all examples of deficiency diseases.
Causes of Deficiency Diseases
A well-balanced diet for one’s overall health cannot be overstated. Any dietary imbalance could lead to an overabundance or underabundance of certain nutrients. A shortage of a specific nutrient can cause a deficiency illness. A shortage of key dietary nutrients, particularly vitamins or minerals, causes deficiency diseases. A well-balanced diet concentrates on giving the body all of its nutrients. It comprises macronutrients such as protein, carbs, fat, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. As a result, deficiency disorders can be avoided by eating a well-balanced diet.
Vitamin Deficiency Diseases
Our bodies require 13 important vitamins obtained from various foods. Vitamin deficiencies can have various health consequences depending on the vitamin (or vitamins) you are deficient in. Low vitamin intake can cause deficiency, and various medical conditions can predispose you to vitamin insufficiency. Blood testing can be used to diagnose vitamin deficits. And they can be treated with vitamin supplements taken orally (by mouth) or intravenously.
The following vitamins are necessary for our bodies:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin B12
Complications
Vitamin insufficiency manifests itself in a variety of ways. Typically, obvious consequences do not appear until several months of low vitamin levels have passed.
Vitamin deficiency disease can cause the following symptoms:
- Low energy
- fatigue
- Bone density decline
- Hair and skin that is dry
- Depression
- Irritability
- Bruising or bleeding that is easy to come by
- The healing process is poor (sores that last for a long time)
- Infection susceptibility
- The colour of your skin changes (usually small, flat, light patches on your skin)I
Consequences
Poor eating habits frequently cause vitamin insufficiency. Vitamins are complex chemicals found in various foods, including fruits, veggies, carbohydrates, meat, poultry, and seafood. Certain foods are fortified with vitamins, and each vitamin is present in multiple types of foods. Milk, for example, is fortified with vitamin D and naturally includes calcium (a mineral, not a vitamin). A variety of vitamins should be frequently added to our daily meals.
In addition to dietary considerations, medical problems can impair vitamin absorption, even if you get enough vitamins through your food.
Protein Deficiency Diseases
Every diet should contain protein. An individual’s protein requirements depend on age and gender.Proteins are found in every cell of the body. Cells and tissues in the body are formed and repaired with it. Skin, muscle, bone, organs, hair, and nails are all made up of protein. Protein deficit due to less protein intake in the diet is rare in many countries. However, protein deficiencies are more of a problem in many countries, particularly among children. Protein shortage can lead to life-threatening malnutrition such as malnourishment and marasmus.
Protein deficiency diseases can occur as a result of a variety of medical conditions, including:
- A medical issue such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) or bariatric surgical makes it difficult to absorb the nutrients
- a reliable source
- Low protein consumption can result in:
- a lack of muscular tone
- Moisture stagnation causes oedema or swelling.
- a hairline that is thin and brittle
- Ulcers on the skin
Conclusion:
Vitamins and proteins are essential components of any diet. Adults should consume 50 grams (g) of protein per day as part of a 2,000-calorie diet, while individual needs vary depending on age, gender, activity level, and other factors. The majority of people in many countries meet their daily protein requirements. If someone wishes to boost their protein consumption, they should eat healthy, high-protein foods with each meal. We can protect ourselves against various deficiency diseases and stay healthy and happy by eating the right proteins and vitamins.