Avitaminosis
Avitaminosis (pronounced: a-vi-ta-min-o-sis) is a medical condition that arises due to the deficiency of one or more essential vitamins in the diet. The term is derived from the prefix 'a-' denoting absence, and 'vitaminosis,' referring to the condition caused by an excess of vitamins.
Etymology
The term 'Avitaminosis' is derived from the Greek word 'avitaminosi,' which means 'without vitamins.' It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the diseases that resulted from vitamin deficiency.
Types of Avitaminosis
There are several types of avitaminosis, each resulting from the deficiency of a specific vitamin. These include:
- Scurvy: Caused by a deficiency of vitamin C.
- Beriberi: Caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine).
- Pellagra: Caused by a deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin).
- Rickets: Caused by a deficiency of vitamin D.
- Night blindness: Caused by a deficiency of vitamin A.
Symptoms
The symptoms of avitaminosis vary depending on the specific vitamin that is deficient. Common symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and skin disorders. In severe cases, avitaminosis can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, neurological disorders, and even death.
Prevention and Treatment
Avitaminosis can be prevented by consuming a balanced diet that includes all the essential vitamins. In cases where dietary intake is insufficient, vitamin supplements may be recommended. Treatment of avitaminosis involves replenishing the deficient vitamin through dietary changes and/or supplementation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Avitaminosis
- Wikipedia's article - Avitaminosis
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski