Deficiency diseases are caused by the lack of which of the following in the body?

Deficiency diseases are health disorders that occur when the body does not get enough of a specific vitamin or nutrient needed for normal growth, repair, and maintenance. Vitamins are essential organic compounds that the body requires in small amounts to carry out vital biochemical functions. Since the human body cannot produce most vitamins, they must be obtained from a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains.

When any vitamin is lacking in the diet for a long period, the body develops a specific deficiency disease related to that vitamin’s function. Some common examples include:

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  Vitamin A deficiency → causes night blindness, dry skin, and poor vision in dim light.

  
  


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  Vitamin B₁ (Thiamine) deficiency → causes beriberi, leading to muscle weakness and nerve damage.

  
  


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  Vitamin B₃ (Niacin) deficiency → causes pellagra, which results in skin problems and diarrhea.

  
  


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  Vitamin C deficiency → causes scurvy, leading to bleeding gums and weak connective tissues.

  
  


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  Vitamin D deficiency → causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, leading to soft or weak bones.

  
  


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  Vitamin K deficiency → causes excessive bleeding due to poor blood clotting.

  
  

Unlike vitamins, nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are energy sources or body-building materials. Their lack causes malnutrition but not specific deficiency diseases like those caused by vitamins.

To prevent deficiency diseases, people should consume a balanced diet rich in all essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits, green vegetables, milk, eggs, and fish are excellent sources of vitamins.

In summary, deficiency diseases are primarily caused by the lack of vitamins in the body, and maintaining proper nutrition is essential for good health and disease prevention.

✅ Correct Answer: B) Vitamins