Have you been feeling a bit off lately and wondering why that is? This possibly hints to a lack of the necessary vitamins. Our body needs multiple vitamins to perform in the best way possible, and a deficit of these vitamins may eventually result in different health complications. It is a fact that many people are aware of the importance of vitamins but they may not have known that the deficiency can lead to some serious health hazards. The dietary deficiencies may be a result of poor absorption, inadequate intake of dietary components and some health conditions. Let’s take a look at some common diseases associated with vitamin deficiency.

vitamin deficiency diseases:

Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency):

Picture this: tiredness, rotten gums which bleed like some badly written tragedy, aches and pains that may just be your number one nemesis and bruises appearing faster than you can hide them. It was scurvy, a disease that is caused by the lack of vitamin C. This disease was common among sailors from the past millennia, but it can happen today as well. If proper treatments are not taken, it can redden the skies with anemia, gum disease, and even the death all around them.

Rickets (Vitamin D Deficiency):

Rickets is a skeletal disorder caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. It primarily affects children and can lead to soft, weak bones, skeletal deformities, stunted growth, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, rickets can result in fractures and developmental delays.

Beriberi (Thiamine Deficiency):

Beriberi is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). It can manifest as two forms: wet beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular system and can lead to heart failure, and dry beriberi, which primarily affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and difficulty walking.

Night Blindness (Vitamin A Deficiency):

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, a condition characterized by difficulty seeing in low light or darkness. Prolonged deficiency can also cause dry eyes, corneal ulcers, and eventually, permanent blindness. Vitamin A deficiency is particularly prevalent in developing countries and can increase the risk of infectious diseases such as measles and diarrhea.

Pellagra (Niacin Deficiency):

Pellagra is a condition caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) and tryptophan. It is characterized by the “3 Ds”: dermatitis (skin inflammation), diarrhea, and dementia (mental confusion and cognitive impairment). Left untreated, pellagra can lead to severe neurological damage and death.

Anemia (Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiency):

Anemia is a common blood disorder characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia results from inadequate iron intake or absorption and can lead to fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, on the other hand, can cause similar symptoms along with neurological complications such as tingling sensations, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.

Osteomalacia (Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults):

Similar to rickets in children, osteomalacia is a condition characterized by softening of the bones in adults due to vitamin D deficiency. It can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, fractures, and difficulty walking. Osteomalacia increases the risk of falls and fractures, particularly in the elderly.

Keratomalacia (Severe Vitamin A Deficiency):

Keratomalacia is a rare but severe complication of vitamin A deficiency characterized by the softening and ulceration of the cornea. It can result in irreversible damage to the eyes and blindness if left untreated.

These are just a few examples of diseases associated with vitamin deficiency. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in a variety of nutrient-dense foods is essential for preventing vitamin deficiencies and promoting overall health and well-being. In cases of suspected deficiency, consulting a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial.