Question

Which of the following is an example of nutritional deficiency disease?
A) Gastroenteritis
B) Rickets
C) Hypertension
D) Diabetes

Answer 1

Hint: Our body requires various types of vitamins to keep our physical as well as mental health in proper condition. These vitamins generally come into the category of micronutrients that are not produced by the body and so has to be taken externally through our food. The nutritional deficiency occurs when these nutrients are not supplied in the body properly.

Complete answer:
A disease is caused due to various factors. Some of these factors may include the deficiency of nutrients. We know that these nutrients are divided into two categories- macronutrients and micronutrients. Let us know about the given diseases and get to the right answer-

Gastroenteritis- is also known as stomach flu, is the infection of intestine which will cause diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, nausea and fever. It is a contagious disease that is spread through an infected person or contaminated food. The symptoms that may determine its arrival are- dehydration in skin, in mouth, feeling lightheaded.

Rickets- it is the weakening of bones majorly due to insufficient amount of vitamin D in the body. In this disease it becomes quite difficult to maintain phosphorus and calcium levels in bones. It’s symptoms include weakness and pain in spine, pelvis and legs, retarded growth and bow legs.

Hypertension- it is also described as a high blood pressure condition. In this disease the force of blood in the artery becomes too high. The standard blood pressure that should be maintained is 80/120. Above this level, a person is said to have hypertension. It usually shows no symptoms. But if it remains untreated for a long time, it may lead to various heart diseases.

Diabetes- it is caused due to high sugar levels in the blood. In this disease, either the body is unable to make enough insulin or is unable to use it effectively. If it remains untreated for a long time, it may lead to damage of kidney, eyes, nerves and other organs. Most symptoms are not visible but otherwise excessive thirst, urination, weight loss and blurry vision can be a sign to get a check up.


Note:
- Rickets is a common disease among growing children that are between the age of 6 to 36 months. As they are still growing, they sometimes do not get enough vitamin D.
- Rickets was common before but after 1940, it disappeared in the developed countries as fortified food with added vitamin D became a common food there.