Diseases Caused by Nutritional Deficiencies
Science: KS3, topic 1.4.10
Diseases Caused by Nutritional Deficiencies
The following diseases are caused by not getting enough of a certain food or nutrient:
Scurvy
- Scurvy is caused by a vitamin C deficiency.
- The body can't make enough collagen which can lead to bleeding and swollen gums, tiredness and muscle pain.
Vitamin D deficiency
- When children don't get enough vitamin D when they are growing, they can get rickets, where bones are malformed.
- If adults don't get enough vitamin D, they can experience tiredness, and they can get severe bone pain called osteomalacia.
Anaemia
- Anaemia is caused by a lack of iron in the diet or blood loss.
- The body can't make enough haemoglobin and red blood cells, which leads to tiredness, pale skin and shortness of breath.
Kwashiorkor
- Kwashiorkor is caused by severe protein deficiency.
- The body can't grow and repair its tissues, and the immune system becomes weak. It can also cause stunted growth and a swollen belly.
Test yourself on Diseases Caused by Nutritional Deficiencies
What is the main cause of anaemia?
Which deficiency would most likely cause bleeding gums, tiredness and muscle pain?
A child eats enough carbohydrates and fats but very little protein. Which deficiency disease are they most likely to develop?