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ASSIGNMENT
SUBMITTED BY
MONISHA S
NATURAL SCIENCE
REG NO: 14367009

VITAMIN
DEFICIENCY
DISEASES

INTRODUCTION
If certain nutrients are missing in our diet, disease develop due to the
specific deficiencies. Protein calore deficiency is a collection of different kinds of
childhood malnutrition. Some are due to predominantly to deficiency of protein
and are collectively called kwashiorkor, a west African word meaning "red haired
boy". Others are mainly due to a sever deficiency of overall foodstuffs and are
called marasmuss.
In kwashiorkor, the child is typically listless, apathetic, whining, with
a reddish discoloration of the hair, a peeling, scaly skin and with much extra fluid
in his tissues causing oedema. In marasmus, the child is ravenously hungry.
Vitamin deficiencies also give rise to specific disorders. Beri-Beri is a group of
diseases usually found in areas where a diet of polished rice results in a poor intake
of vitamin B. In one form there is oedema in another, the peripheral nerves are
affected leading to tingling and numbness
Mineral deficiencies may also cause disorders, even through very
small amounts, of these minerals are required by the body. Anaemia is caused by
iron deficiency.

DISEASES
1. MARASMUS

Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition that consist of the chronic

wasting away of fat, muscle and other tissues in the body. Malnutrition occurs
when your body does not get enough protein and calories. This lack of nutrition
can range from a shortage of certain vitamins to complete starvation. Marasmus is
one of the most serious forms of protein energy malnutrition in the world
SYMPTOMS
Marasmus symptoms will vary depending on the severity and whether
associated infections or other conditions are present. General symptoms of

marasmus include chronic diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue and rapid weight loss. If the
disease is caused by poor nutrition, then a change in diet should be enough to
correct the problem and prevent recurrence. Marasmus that is related to an
underlying disease may require additional treatment.
TREATMENT
Treatment of marasmus involve a special feeding and rehydration plan
and close medical observation to prevent and manage complications of
malnutrition. Pediatric nutrition rehabituation centers have been established in
some countries and regions to coordinate treatment of malnourished children.
Intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions and nasogastric feeding tubes are
forms of treatment that may be used.

2. RICKETS]

''Rickets usually occurs because of a lack of vitamin D and calcium,

although it can also be caused by a genetic defect or another health condition''

The most common cause of rickets is a lack of vitamin D or calcium in a
childs diet. Both are essential for children to develop strong and healthy bones. The
main source of vitamin D is sunlight and food items like oily fish, eggs and
fortified breakfast cereals. Calcium is commonly found in dairy products (such as
milk, cheese and yolk) and vegetables (such as broccoli and cabbage). Over time, a
vitaminD or calcium deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft
bones) in adults.
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of rickets include bone pain and tenderness,
dental deformities, delayed formation of teeth, decreased muscle strength, number
of skeletal deformities, including abnormally shaped skull, Bowie, rib-cage
abnormalities and breast bone, pelvic and spinal deformities.
TREATMENT
The patient's dietary intake of calcium, phosphate and vitamin D is
increased. This may involve exposure to sunlight, consuming fish oils and
voisterol. In countries that are not near the tropics and sunlight intensity is lower, it
is important to provide a supplementary intake of vitamin D to prevent rickets.
This may involve enriching milk, baby foods and some other food products.

3. GOITER

Goiter is a swelling (hypertrophy) of a gland in the neck called the

thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is situated in front of the windpipe and is
responsible for producing and secreting hormones that regulate growth and
metabolism. The degree of swelling and the severity of symptoms produced by the
goiter depend on the individual. Some case involves a small amount of swelling, and
others can involve considerable swelling that actually constricts the trachea and
breathing problems. It is two type, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid gland, and this causes goiter.
Because the gland produces too little thyroid hormone, it is stimulated to produce
more, leading to the swelling. This usually results from hashimoto's thyroiditis /
disease, a condition in which the body's immune system turns on its self and causes
inflammation within the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism is also a cause of goiter from an overactive thyroid gland which
produces too much thyroid hormone. This usually happends as a result of grave's
disease, also an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immunity turns on itself
and attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to swell.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms include
Throat symptoms of tightness, cough and hoarseness
Trouble swallowing

 In severe cases, difficulty breathing.

In the case of hyperthyroidism, the overactive thyroid can cause
symptoms such as nervousness, palpitations, hyperactivity increased seating, heat
hypersensitivity, fatigue, etc
In the case of hypothyroidism, the underactive thyroid can cause
symptoms such as cold intolerance, constipation, forgetfulness, personality
changes etc
TREATMENT
In the case of hypothyroidism treatment is with a synthetic replacement of
thyroid hormone
In the case of hyperthyroidism treatment is with medication to counter the
excess hormone production, in the form of anti-thyroid drugs such as
thyonamide tablets that gradually reduces the hormone levels.

4.KWASHIORKOR

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that most often affects children

in developing regions of the world where there is famine or a limited food supply.
The main sign of kwashiorkor is having too much fluid in body tissue, causing

swelling under the skin (oedema). It usually begins in the legs but can involve the
whole body, including the face.
SYMPTOMS
Kwashiorkor is a condition resulting from inadequate protein intake.
Early symptoms include fatigue, irritability and lethargy. As protein deprivation
continues, one sees growth failure, loss of muscle mass, generalized swelling and
decreased immunity.
TREATMENT
If it is identified early, kwashiorkor can sometimes be treated with
either specially formulated milk based feeds or ready to use therapeutic
food(RUTF), which id typically made up of peanut butter, milk powder, sugar,
vegetable oil and added vitamins and minerals.

5.ANAEMIA

Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough

healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood
cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your
hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue occur because organs are not
getting what they need to function properly.

TREATMENT
This usually involves taking iron supplement to replace the lack of
intake of iron in diet or excess loss of iron.The most commonly prescribed
supplement is ferrous sulphate. It is taken as pills 2 or 3 times a day.

CONCLUSION
Vitamin deficiency disease are the major problems in our present society.Major
vitamin deficiency disaese are the Anaemia,Goiter, Kwashiorkor, Marasmus and
Rickets etc. Many people face vitamin deficiency diseases.Proverty is one of the
major cause of deficiency deseases.The people should follow balanced diet and
include protein rich food items.

REFERENCE
Vitamin and minerals-Barry schwabsky
https://enm.wikipedia.org/wiki/vitamin deficiencies
https://en.wikipedia.org/nutrition disorder