deficiency disease

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deficiency disease

Also known as: nutrient deficiency disease, nutritional deficiency disease(Show More)

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June 25, 2026

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A deficiency disease is an illness caused by a lack of essential dietary elements, particularly vitamins or minerals. Inadequate intake of specific vitamins can lead to a characteristic deficiency disease, known as hypovitaminosis, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms can be specific, like night blindness from vitamin A deficiency, or more general, such as loss of appetite or failure to grow. In some cases, the effects of vitamin deficiencies can be irreversible, especially if they damage non-regenerative tissues like the cornea, nerve tissue, or bone. Deficiencies can be primary, due to insufficient dietary intake, or secondary, occurring even with adequate intake if underlying health issues impair absorption or increase the body's needs. Malnutrition, particularly a lack of protein, is a significant cause of immune deficiency, especially in children.1234

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nutritional disease
Vitamins
Although deficiency diseases have been described in laboratory animals and humans deprived of single vitamins, in human experience multiple deficiencies are usually present simultaneously. The eight B-complex vitamins function in coordination in numerous enzyme systems and metabolic pathways; thus, a deficiency of one may affect the…
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Although deficiency diseases have been described in laboratory animals and humans deprived of single vitamins, in human experience multiple deficiencies are usually present simultaneously. The eight B-complex vitamins function in coordination in numerous enzyme systems and metabolic pathways; thus, a deficiency of one may affect the…
Read More

alcoholism
Chronic diseases
…or more of the chronic nutritional-deficiency diseases may develop. Probably most common are the more severe effects of long-term thiamin deficiency—degeneration of the peripheral nerves (with permanent damage in extreme cases) and beriberi heart disease. Another nutritional disease in alcoholism is pellagra, caused by deficiency of niacin. Other
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…or more of the chronic nutritional-deficiency diseases may develop. Probably most common are the more severe effects of long-term thiamin deficiency—degeneration of the peripheral nerves (with permanent damage in extreme cases) and beriberi heart disease. Another nutritional disease in alcoholism is pellagra, caused by deficiency of niacin. Other
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plant disease
Adverse environment
…required by the plant, a deficiency occurs, leading to symptoms that include stunting of plants; scorching or malformation of leaves; abnormal coloration; premature leaf, bud, and flower drop; delayed maturity or failure of flower and fruit buds to develop; and dieback of shoots.
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…required by the plant, a deficiency occurs, leading to symptoms that include stunting of plants; scorching or malformation of leaves; abnormal coloration; premature leaf, bud, and flower drop; delayed maturity or failure of flower and fruit buds to develop; and dieback of shoots.
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human disease
Diseases of nutritional deficiency
Nutritional deficiencies may take the form of inadequacies of (1) total caloric intake, (2) protein intake, or (3) certain essential nutrients such as the vitamins and, more rarely, specific amino acids (components of proteins) and fatty acids.
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Nutritional deficiencies may take the form of inadequacies of (1) total caloric intake, (2) protein intake, or (3) certain essential nutrients such as the vitamins and, more rarely, specific amino acids (components of proteins) and fatty acids.
Read More