**Deficiency Disease: Explained**

Deficiency diseases, also known as nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition diseases, occur when the body does not receive an adequate amount of essential nutrients required for proper functioning. These diseases are the result of a deficiency or absence of specific vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, or other essential components of food in the diet.

**Causes of Deficiency Diseases:**

1. **Lack of Nutrient Intake:** Insufficient consumption of a particular nutrient due to poor diet, restricted food availability, or dietary restrictions can lead to deficiency diseases. For example, a lack of vitamin C in the diet can cause scurvy.

2. **Poor Absorption:** Certain medical conditions or diseases that affect the digestive system can hinder the absorption of nutrients from food. This can result in deficiency diseases even if an individual has an adequate nutrient intake.

3. **Increased Nutrient Requirement:** Some individuals, such as pregnant women, growing children, or individuals recovering from illness or surgery, may have increased nutrient requirements. If these increased requirements are not met, deficiency diseases can develop.

**Common Deficiency Diseases:**

1. **Scurvy:** A deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, bleeding gums, joint and muscle pain, and slow wound healing.

2. **Rickets:** Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, primarily affecting children. It causes weak and brittle bones, delayed growth, and skeletal deformities.

3. **Goiter:** Iodine deficiency causes goiter, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including swelling in the neck, weight gain, and fatigue.

4. **Beriberi:** A deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) causes beriberi. Symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, nerve damage, and cardiovascular problems.

5. **Night Blindness:** A deficiency of vitamin A causes night blindness, where individuals have difficulty seeing in dim light or at night.

**Prevention and Treatment:**

1. **Balanced Diet:** Consuming a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different food groups can help prevent deficiency diseases. This ensures an adequate intake of all essential nutrients.

2. **Supplementation:** In some cases, dietary supplements may be recommended to meet specific nutrient requirements. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

3. **Fortified Foods:** Fortification of foods with essential nutrients, such as iodized salt or fortified milk, can help prevent deficiency diseases in populations that may have limited access to certain foods.

4. **Medical Intervention:** In severe cases, medical intervention may be required, such as vitamin injections or intravenous nutrient administration, to treat deficiency diseases.

In conclusion, deficiency diseases occur due to a lack of essential nutrients in the diet, poor absorption, or increased nutrient requirements. They can have significant health implications, but they can be prevented and treated through proper nutrition, supplementation, and medical intervention when necessary.

A disease that is caused due to lack of fats protein mineral carbohydrates vitamin in our body is called deficiency disease