What are the diseases caused by lack of fruit?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 6.7 million deaths worldwide were linked to inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption in 2010. A lack of fruit in a diet can have severe health consequences, leading to specific nutrient deficiencies and significantly increasing the risk of chronic and long-term diseases.

Quick Summary

A diet lacking in fruit can trigger deficiency diseases like scurvy and negatively impact the immune system. It also increases the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes due to low fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Key Points

Scurvy: A severe vitamin C deficiency, historically common among sailors, causes weakness, bleeding gums, and poor wound healing.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A lack of fruit is linked to increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure due to missing fiber and potassium.
Digestive Problems: The low fiber in a fruit-deficient diet can cause constipation, hemorrhoids, and increase the risk of diverticulitis.
Weakened Immunity: Essential vitamins and antioxidants from fruit are crucial for a strong immune system, protecting against frequent infections.
Increased Cancer Risk: Antioxidants and phytochemicals in fruits provide protective effects against certain cancers, including those of the mouth and stomach.
Vision Problems: A deficiency in Vitamin A, found in some fruits, can lead to conditions like night blindness.
Mental Health Effects: Studies have shown a correlation between low fruit and vegetable intake and an increased risk of depression and mood swings.
Increased Diabetes Risk: The fiber in whole fruits helps regulate blood sugar, and its absence increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A diet rich in fruits is essential for good health, providing necessary vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Omitting fruit can make the body vulnerable to various health issues, both short-term and long-term. These issues range from specific nutrient deficiencies to a higher risk of chronic illnesses.

The Direct Impact of Micronutrient Deficiency

A primary consequence of not eating fruit is micronutrient deficiency. Notable examples include shortages of vitamins C, K, A, and folate. Scurvy is the most well-known condition resulting from such deficiencies.

Scurvy: A Vitamin C Deficiency

Scurvy is caused by a significant lack of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Humans must get vitamin C from food, mainly fresh fruits and vegetables. Without it, the body cannot produce collagen, which is vital for maintaining connective tissues, skin, and blood vessels. Symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, bleeding gums, skin hemorrhages, poor wound healing, and joint pain.

Other Nutrient Deficiencies

Deficiency in Vitamin A can cause night blindness, while insufficient Vitamin C intake can hinder iron absorption, potentially leading to anemia. A rare deficiency in Vitamin K can result in bleeding disorders.

Long-Term Chronic Health Risks

Avoiding fruit over time can contribute to serious chronic diseases due to the absence of beneficial fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Cardiovascular Disease

A diet low in fruits is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. This is partly because fruits provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol and potassium that helps regulate blood pressure.

Digestive Issues

Fruits are an excellent source of fiber, crucial for digestive health. A low-fiber diet can lead to constipation, diverticulitis, and an imbalanced gut microbiome.

Other Increased Risks

Excluding fruit may also increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, certain cancers (mouth, esophagus, stomach), and weight gain. The fiber in fruits helps regulate blood sugar, offers protective effects against cancer through antioxidants, and promotes fullness to help manage weight.

Comparison of Nutrient-Deficient vs. Fruit-Rich Diet


Feature	Lack of Fruit Diet	Fruit-Rich Diet
Key Vitamins	Deficiency in Vitamin C, A, Folate, and others	Abundant source of Vitamin C, A, Folate, and more
Fiber Content	Significantly low, leading to digestive issues	High in soluble and insoluble fiber, promoting gut health
Antioxidants	Low intake, increased cellular damage from free radicals	High intake, protecting cells from oxidative stress
Heart Health	Higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure	Lower risk of cardiovascular problems, improved blood pressure
Blood Sugar	Unstable blood sugar levels, increased diabetes risk	Helps regulate blood sugar levels, lowers diabetes risk
Immune System	Weakened immune response, increased infections	Enhanced immune function, stronger defense against illness
Digestion	Higher risk of constipation and diverticulitis	Regular bowel movements, healthier gut microbiome

Conclusion

The diseases caused by lack of fruit highlight the importance of incorporating fruit into your diet. While short-term exclusion is unlikely to cause serious harm, consistently avoiding fruit can lead to deficiency diseases like scurvy and increase the risk of chronic conditions. The vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants in fruits protect against illness, support bodily functions, and contribute to overall health. Including a variety of fruits daily is a simple step towards preventing these issues. For more information, refer to the World Health Organization's nutritional guidelines.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional regarding any health concerns or before making dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scurvy is caused by a severe, long-term lack of vitamin C in the diet, which is most readily found in fresh fruits and vegetables. While it is the classic deficiency disease, you would need to have an extremely low intake of vitamin C over several months to develop it.

The most immediate effects of not eating enough fruit are often milder but noticeable. These can include fatigue, low energy levels, mood changes due to unstable blood sugar, and early signs of digestive issues like constipation due to low fiber intake.

While vegetables are also excellent sources of many vitamins and minerals, they are not a perfect substitute. A diverse diet that includes both fruits and vegetables is recommended to ensure you receive a broad spectrum of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.

Yes, a lack of fruit is linked to poorer heart health. Fruits provide dietary fiber and potassium, which help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Without the dietary fiber found in fruits, your digestive system can suffer. This can lead to constipation, hemorrhoids, and a less diverse, unhealthy gut microbiome, which affects overall gut health.

Yes, it is possible to gain weight. Fruits are high in fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. Excluding them often leads to consuming more processed, high-calorie snack foods to compensate, leading to unintended weight gain.

The timeframe varies. Milder symptoms like fatigue can appear within a few weeks, while severe deficiency diseases like scurvy take several months. The increased risk for chronic diseases develops over a longer period of consistent low fruit intake.