Tag: Preventable diseases

Historically, vitamin deficiency diseases plagued sailors and soldiers on long voyages, but they still occur today in various at-risk populations. Scurvy, an ancient disease first described around 1550 BC, is a prime example of a condition caused by the inadequate intake of a specific vitamin, specifically vitamin C. While often considered a relic of the past, modern cases still surface in malnourished individuals worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization, micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant global health issue, especially in food-insecure populations. This guide explains what conditions do vitamins prevent by detailing the specific deficiency diseases linked to inadequate nutrient intake.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor diet and a lack of physical activity are among the leading global risks to health. While there is no single percentage for what percentage of diseases are caused by diet, evidence shows a major, quantifiable link to chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Nearly half of all deaths among children under five years of age are linked to undernutrition, highlighting the critical link between diet and health outcomes. The question of what disease is caused by ill health and malnutrition is central to global health efforts, as these factors create a vicious cycle of sickness and poor nutrition.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of deaths among children under 5 are linked to undernutrition, highlighting the critical role of protective food in preventing life-threatening conditions. Protective foods, rich in vitamins and minerals, are essential for bolstering the immune system and ensuring proper growth and development. Without them, individuals can develop a range of serious health issues.

Globally, iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of brain damage and intellectual disability, not a vitamin deficiency. This severe lack of iodine, a critical mineral, disrupts thyroid hormone production and can lead to the serious developmental condition known as cretinism, or congenital iodine deficiency syndrome.

An estimated 2 million sailors died from scurvy between the 16th and 18th centuries, a devastating toll caused by a lack of proper nutrition during long sea voyages. The primary question, "what causes scurvy in sailors?", points to a profound deficiency of one vital nutrient: vitamin C.

While often viewed as a historical disease, a recent US study revealed that pediatric scurvy cases more than tripled between 2016 and 2020, highlighting that modern factors influence **how common is scurvy now**. This surprising data indicates a resurgence of a once-forgotten condition within vulnerable populations.

Globally, poor diets are a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and are responsible for an estimated one in five premature deaths. So, what are two conditions or diseases associated with a poor diet? They are Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, both of which are largely preventable through healthier eating and lifestyle changes.

According to the World Health Organization, vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. A proper nutrition diet ensures adequate intake of this crucial micronutrient, protecting the body from a range of severe health issues, so it is vital to know **what disease does vitamin A prevent** and how to get enough of it.