Deficiency disease
Deficiency Disease
Deficiency disease (/dɪˈfɪʃənsi dɪˈziːz/), also known as nutritional deficiency disease, is a type of health disorder that occurs when a person's diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients necessary for the body to function properly.
Etymology
The term "deficiency disease" is derived from the Latin word "deficientia", meaning "a lack or shortage", and the Old French word "disease", which means "lack of ease". It was first used in the early 20th century to describe diseases that were caused by a lack of essential nutrients in a person's diet.
Types of Deficiency Diseases
There are several types of deficiency diseases, each caused by a lack of a specific nutrient. These include:
- Vitamin deficiency diseases: These are caused by a lack of essential vitamins in the diet. Examples include scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, and beriberi, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine).
- Mineral deficiency diseases: These are caused by a lack of essential minerals in the diet. Examples include osteoporosis, which is caused by a deficiency of calcium, and iron deficiency anemia, which is caused by a deficiency of iron.
- Protein-energy malnutrition: This is caused by a lack of proteins and calories in the diet. Examples include kwashiorkor and marasmus.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention and treatment of deficiency diseases involve ensuring a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients. This may involve dietary changes, supplements, or in severe cases, medical intervention.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Deficiency disease
- Wikipedia's article - Deficiency disease
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