3.1. Describe disorders caused by vitamin deficiencies

This guide will help you answer 3.1. Describe disorders caused by vitamin deficiencies.

A lack of essential vitamins can lead to various health disorders, affecting physical and mental functions. Vitamins are crucial for bodily processes such as cell repair, energy production, and supporting the immune system. Deficiencies arise when dietary intake is insufficient, absorption is impaired, or excess is lost due to medical conditions.

This guide discusses specific disorders caused by deficiencies in key vitamins, outlining their symptoms, effects, and causes.

Vitamin A Deficiency and Vision Disorders

Vitamin A is vital for eye health, immune function, and maintaining skin integrity. A lack of this vitamin can lead to significant disorders, particularly involving vision.

• Night Blindness: One of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. This condition makes it difficult to see in low-light conditions due to the weakening of the retina’s ability to adjust to darkness.
• Xerophthalmia: Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause xerophthalmia, a disorder characterised by dryness and thickening of the conjunctiva (the surface of the eye). If untreated, this can lead to corneal ulcers or permanent blindness.
• Weakened Immunity: People deficient in vitamin A are prone to frequent infections. The vitamin helps maintain the mucous membranes that act as barriers to pathogens.

Vitamin A is found in liver, fish oil, dairy products, carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency: Beriberi

Thiamine supports energy production and nerve function. Its deficiency can lead to beriberi, a disorder with two distinct forms—wet and dry—depending on the symptoms.

• Wet Beriberi: This form affects the cardiovascular system, causing fluid retention, swollen limbs, and, in severe cases, heart failure.
• Dry Beriberi: Dry beriberi impacts the nervous system. It causes weakness, muscle wasting, difficulty walking, and numbness or tingling in the extremities.
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: Prolonged thiamine deficiency can lead to this neurological condition. Symptoms include confusion, memory loss, and difficulty moving the eyes. It primarily affects people with alcoholism.

Thiamine is abundant in whole grains, pork, beans, and nuts.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Anaemia and Neurological Issues

Vitamin B12 is vital for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and the proper function of the nervous system. A deficiency can cause several serious disorders.

• Pernicious Anaemia: This is a type of anaemia caused when the body lacks vitamin B12. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. It occurs when the stomach cannot produce enough intrinsic factor to absorb B12 from food.
• Neurological Damage: Prolonged B12 deficiency can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and loss of coordination. Severe cases may cause memory loss or difficulty concentrating.
• Megaloblastic Anaemia: Without sufficient B12, red blood cells become abnormally large and lose their ability to transport oxygen efficiently. This results in chronic fatigue and dizziness.

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Vegans may need fortified foods or supplements to avoid deficiency.

Vitamin C Deficiency: Scurvy

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is involved in collagen production and immune support. Its deficiency leads to scurvy, a disorder linked to connective tissue breakdown.

• Bleeding Gums: One of the earliest and most common signs of scurvy is gum bleeding. This occurs because collagen production is impaired, leading to weakened tissues.
• Joint and Muscle Pain: Deficient collagen affects joints and muscles, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving.
• Skin Issues: Scurvy can also lead to bruising, slow wound healing, and the appearance of small red or purple spots under the skin.
• Fatigue and Weakness: People with scurvy often feel tired and weak due to impaired iron absorption and reduced immunity.

Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Rickets and Osteomalacia

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Its deficiency can lead to disorders such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

• Rickets (Children): Rickets causes soft and weak bones in growing children. Symptoms include bowed legs, delayed growth, and pain in the legs or chest. Severe cases may also cause deformities in the spine or pelvis.
• Osteomalacia (Adults): Lack of vitamin D in adults results in osteomalacia, characterised by bone pain and increased risk of fractures.
• Weakened Immune Function: A vitamin D deficiency might lead to reduced immune system efficiency, making the body more prone to respiratory infections.

Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight exposure or foods like oily fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, and mushrooms.

Vitamin K Deficiency and Blood Clotting Disorders

Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Its deficiency can lead to reduced clotting ability and excessive bleeding.

• Prolonged Bleeding: Without sufficient vitamin K, the clotting process slows down drastically. This can cause excessive bleeding from minor injuries or invasive medical procedures.
• Easy Bruising: Deficiency increases susceptibility to bruising, even from minor bumps or scratches.
• Bone Weakness: Vitamin K is associated with calcium binding in bones. Deficiency can lead to reduced bone strength, increasing the risk of fractures.

Vitamin K is found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and fermented foods like natto.

Vitamin E Deficiency: Neurological and Immune Problems

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and supports the immune system. A deficiency is rare but can occur in people with absorption issues or genetic disorders.

• Neurological Symptoms: Vitamin E deficiency may lead to nerve damage, causing muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination, and vision problems.
• Weakened Immunity: Lack of vitamin E can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections, leaving individuals more prone to illness.
• Red Blood Cell Damage: Vitamin E deficiency can cause red blood cells to rupture, leading to haemolytic anaemia.

Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, spinach, and sunflower oil.

Vitamin B9 (Folate) Deficiency: Pregnancy Complications and Anaemia

Folate plays a significant role in cell division and red blood cell production. Its deficiency can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women.

• Megaloblastic Anaemia: Lack of folate leads to the production of oversized, immature blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
• Spina Bifida (Pregnancy): Folate deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida, where a baby’s spinal cord does not develop correctly.
• Glossitis: Folate deficiency can cause swelling and redness of the tongue, often accompanied by mouth ulcers.

Good sources of folate include leafy green vegetables, legumes, oranges, and fortified cereals.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin deficiencies cause a wide range of disorders, each impacting vital functions like immunity, energy production, and bone health. By maintaining a diet rich in varied fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and animal products (where applicable), deficiencies can be avoided. In cases where natural sources are insufficient, supplementation may be necessary under professional guidance.