Vitamin Deficiency Diseases

Vitamin deficiency is commonly seen in many malnutrition diseases.

Vitamin A

The deficiency of vitamin A is relatively common in developing countries.

Symptoms and signs

• Night blindness
• Complete blindness
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Lack of appetite
• Dry and rough skin and hair
• Poor wound healing

Treatment of vitamin deficiency

Eat foods rich in vitamin A in the diet.

• Animal liver is among the richest sources of vitamin A.
• Cod liver oil
• Sweet potato
• Carrots are rich in beta carotene
• Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and Vitamin A
• Spinach and Broccoli are other healthful sources of vitamin A
• Mangos are rich in antioxidants, dietary fibre and Vitamin A
• Pumpkin is rich in beta carotene.
• Tomatoes and tomato juice contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which benefit eye health also.

Vitamin B1

Causes

Alcoholism

Symptoms and signs

• Manifestation of beriberi; nervous system disorder
• Severe lethargy
• Fatigue
• Inability to derive energy
• Difficulty in walking
• Loss of muscle with muscle wasting

Treatment

• Administration of thiamine in the form of thiamine hydrochloride tablets or injections.
• B1-rich diet( like yeast and pork)
• Ayurvedic Medicines

Vitamin B2

Causes

• Protein-energy malnutrition diseases
• Alcohol

Symptoms and signs

• Sore throat
• Swelling
• Redness of the mouth
• Cheilosis
• Angular stomatitis
• Glossitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis

Treatment

Foods rich in riboflavin, like meat, eggs, cheese, and yoghurt.

Vitamin B3

This vitamin deficiency, or niacin, leads to pellagra.

 Causes

• Alterations of protein metabolism in the body
• A staple diet of maize.

Signs and symptoms

• Alopecia
• Ataxia
• Dementia
• Dermatitis
• Diarrhoea
• Insomnia
• Photosensitivity
• Weakness

Treatment

Niacin-rich foods in the diet like,

• Liver
• Chicken
• Tuna 
• Turkey
• Salmon 
• Peanuts 
• Avocado 
• Whole-wheat products, such as whole-wheat bread and pasta 
• Mushrooms 
• Green peas 
• Potatoes

Complication

A person can die within four to five years of being diagnosed.

Vitamin B12

Causes

Pure vegetarian diet

Symptoms and signs

• Headaches resembling migraine attacks
• Megaloblastic anaemia.
• Memory loss
• Mouth sores
• Shortness of breath
• The tingling sensation of the tongue
• White spots on the skin

Treatment

• Diet constituting animal product food, if possible
• B12 supplement
• Ayurvedic Medicines

Vitamin C

This vitamin deficiency is seen in developing countries. It leads to scurvy.

Symptoms and signs

• Bleeding gums
• Delayed wound healing
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Spots on skin

Treatment

Vitamin C can be obtained by eating fruits like oranges, lemon, amla, lime, and grapefruit.

Vitamin D

Causes

• Inadequate intake of calcium
• Inadequate sunlight exposure

Symptoms and signs

• Impaired bone formation
• Bone softening diseases like osteomalacia
• Osteoporosis in women

Treatment

• Diet high in calcium, like milk, yoghurt, Sardine, Canned Salmon, Beans and Lentils, Almonds, Whey Protein, and Leafy Green vegetables.
• Ayurvedic medicines