Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which chronic diseases can be linked to nutritional deficiencies or excesses?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

rickets, a nutritional disease — nutritional disease Children with rickets. The disease, which most commonly strikes children, causes bone deformities such as bowlegs. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium.

Chronic diseases linked to nutritional status are categorized by either deficiencies or excesses of essential nutrients and energy intake.12

Diseases of Nutritional Excess

Obesity is a primary nutritional disease resulting from excessive caloric intake. It is an inflammatory condition that significantly increases the risk of numerous chronic disorders, including:3
* Cardiovascular and Metabolic Conditions: Heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and high cholesterol.34
* Organ and Systemic Issues: Fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, asthma, and sleep apnea.4
* Cancer: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of 13 types of cancer.4

Additionally, excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins (specifically vitamins A and D) can lead to toxic accumulation in bodily tissues.3

Diseases of Nutritional Deficiency

Malnutrition resulting from prolonged deficiency can cause various chronic conditions:
* Specific Deficiencies: Rickets (vitamin D), scurvy (vitamin C), beriberi (thiamin), pellagra (niacin), goitre (iodine), and iron-deficiency anemia.1
* Protein-Calorie Malnutrition: Conditions like kwashiorkor arise from inadequate protein intake, often leading to weakened immune function and increased susceptibility to infections.2
* Secondary Deficiencies: Disorders such as pernicious anemia occur when the body cannot properly absorb essential nutrients like vitamin B12.2