Question

Write the name of the diseases caused by the deficiency of vitamin A and vitamin B.

Answer 1

Hint: Vitamins are organic compounds required by an organism in a trace amount to perform specific cellular functions. Unlike vitamin B (which is a water-soluble vitamin), vitamin A is fat-soluble and is released, absorbed, and transported by the fatty compounds present in the diet consumed by an individual.

Complete answer:
Retinal is a vitamin A-derivative derived from retinol. It is an important component of the visual pigment of rod and cone cells of eyes. It initiates the response of cells of the retina to light. Rhodopsin is a photoreceptor pigment in the retina. It consists of 11-cis retinal bound to protein opsin. Thus, Vitamin A is important for the formation of rhodopsin.
The deficiency of vitamin A can cause impaired dark adaptation of the eyes. This can ultimately lead to night blindness.
It can be prevented by including dark green leafy vegetables, deep red or orange coloured fruits, and vitamin A fortified milk and cereals in the diet.
A group of 8 different vitamins is collectively known as the B vitamins. These include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12).
The deficiency of vitamin B1 can cause beriberi, vitaminB2 causes inflammation of the tongue, drying of lips and cheilosis, vitamin B3 causes insomnia, dermatitis, and mental confusion, vitamin B5 can result in acne and paresthesia, vitaminB12 causes anemia, degradation of the spinal cord. Whereas deficiency of B9 and vitamin B6 can cause megaloblastic anemia and epilepsy respectively.

Note:
Humans cannot synthesize vitamins within their bodies. Therefore, these can be obtained from outsources including the dietary supplements in desired quantities. Inadequate intake or poor absorption of vitamins in the body can often lead to vitamin deficiencies.