What are the two deficiency diseases and their causes?

According to the World Health Organization, while once common in developed countries, deficiency diseases like scurvy and rickets have seen a recent resurgence. This article explores what are the two deficiency diseases and their causes, focusing on these specific conditions.

Quick Summary

This guide details scurvy and rickets, outlining the specific nutritional deficiencies of vitamin C and vitamin D that cause them. It describes the causes, common symptoms, and simple preventive measures for these two deficiency diseases.

Key Points

• Scurvy is caused by Vitamin C deficiency: This nutritional disorder results from a prolonged and severe lack of vitamin C in the diet, which is essential for collagen synthesis.

• Rickets is primarily caused by Vitamin D deficiency: This condition in children leads to soft and weakened bones due to inadequate vitamin D, which is needed for calcium and phosphorus absorption.

• Common scurvy symptoms include bleeding gums and fatigue: Early indicators often involve weakness and joint pain, while later signs include swollen gums and poor wound healing.

• Rickets often manifests as bowed legs and bone pain: Skeletal deformities are a hallmark of this disease, along with stunted growth and dental problems.

• Preventative measures involve diet and sun exposure: Scurvy can be prevented by a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, while rickets is preventable through a combination of sun exposure, fortified foods, and supplements.

Scurvy: The Classic Vitamin C Deficiency

Scurvy is a historical illness known for affecting sailors on long voyages, but it is a relevant health concern even today. It is caused by a severe, prolonged deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Since the human body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, it must be obtained from dietary sources. When intake is insufficient for three months or more, a deficiency can become severe enough to cause scurvy.

Causes of Scurvy

The primary cause of scurvy is a prolonged lack of vitamin C in the diet, often due to poor eating habits or limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Risk factors include:

• Restrictive Diets: Individuals on highly limited diets, such as some elderly people or those with eating disorders, may not consume enough vitamin C-rich foods.
• Alcohol or Drug Dependency: Substance abuse can interfere with proper nutrition and absorption of nutrients.
• Smoking: Tobacco use significantly reduces the body's absorption of vitamin C, increasing the required daily intake.
• Certain Medical Conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease or other malabsorptive conditions can hinder the body's ability to utilize nutrients from food.

Symptoms of Scurvy

Early signs of scurvy can be non-specific, but they progress into more severe issues if left untreated.

• Fatigue and Weakness: A general feeling of being unwell, tired, and irritable is often the first sign.
• Skin Changes: Dry, rough, or scaly skin, along with small red or blue spots (petechiae) on the skin, can develop.
• Gingival Manifestations: Gums may become swollen, spongy, purple, and prone to bleeding. Teeth can become loose and eventually fall out.
• Poor Wound Healing: The body's ability to repair tissue is compromised, causing wounds to heal slowly or reopen.
• Joint and Muscle Pain: Weakened blood vessels can lead to bleeding into the joints, causing swelling and intense pain.

Rickets: A Problem of Softening Bones

Rickets is a bone disorder primarily affecting children, causing their bones to soften and weaken. Its equivalent in adults is known as osteomalacia. The most common cause is a severe and prolonged deficiency of vitamin D, which is essential for the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

Causes of Rickets

While nutritional deficiency is the main culprit, other factors contribute to rickets:

• Insufficient Sunlight Exposure: The body produces vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. Reduced outdoor time, living in northern latitudes, or having darker skin pigmentation (which contains more melanin and produces less vitamin D) are key risk factors.
• Dietary Deficiency: Limited intake of vitamin D and calcium-rich foods can cause rickets. This is especially true for exclusively breastfed babies who do not receive a supplement, or for children on strict vegan diets.
• Absorption Issues: Medical conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or cystic fibrosis can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to a deficiency even with adequate dietary intake.
• Genetic Factors: In rare cases, inherited problems can affect how the body processes vitamin D and phosphorus.

Symptoms of Rickets

The symptoms of rickets are largely related to improper bone development.

• Skeletal Deformities: The most classic sign is bowed or bent legs as the soft bones cannot support the child's weight. Other deformities can appear in the pelvis and spine.
• Bone Pain and Tenderness: Affected children often experience pain or tenderness in their legs, arms, pelvis, and spine.
• Growth Problems: Stunted growth and delayed motor development can occur.
• Dental Issues: These can include delayed tooth formation, defects in tooth structure, and increased risk of cavities.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakened muscles and ligaments can contribute to an altered gait or other mobility issues.

A Comparison of Scurvy and Rickets

Feature	Scurvy	Rickets
Primary Cause	Severe vitamin C deficiency.	Severe vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency.
Affected Nutrients	Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).	Vitamin D (calciferol), Calcium, Phosphorus.
Main Target System	Connective tissues (collagen).	Skeletal system (bones).
Key Symptom	Bleeding gums and poor wound healing.	Softening bones, bowed legs.
Impacted Age Group	Babies, elderly, and those with poor nutrition.	Children, particularly infants and toddlers.
Preventative Measures	Consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplements.	Sunlight exposure, fortified foods, and supplements.

Preventing Deficiency Diseases: A Holistic Approach

Preventing scurvy and rickets involves ensuring an adequate intake of the necessary vitamins through diet, sun exposure, and, when needed, supplementation. For scurvy, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens is critical. For rickets, a balance of safe sun exposure and fortified foods like milk, cereals, and juices is recommended, especially for children. Supplements may be necessary for those at higher risk, such as those with dietary restrictions or malabsorption issues. For personalized health advice, consulting a healthcare provider is essential.

Conclusion

What are the two deficiency diseases and their causes? Scurvy, caused by a severe lack of vitamin C, and rickets, caused by a vitamin D deficiency, are two notable examples. While improved nutrition has made them less common in some regions, risk factors still exist, particularly for specific populations. Early detection of symptoms like fatigue, bleeding gums, or bone deformities, along with appropriate dietary adjustments, sun exposure, and medical guidance, are key to preventing and treating these conditions effectively. Proper nutrition remains the foundation of a healthy life.

For more detailed information on vitamin C's role in health, you can visit the National Institutes of Health website: Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of scurvy?

The initial signs of scurvy are often non-specific and include fatigue, general weakness, irritability, and aching muscles and joints.

How can rickets be prevented?

Rickets can be prevented by ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium. This is achieved through safe exposure to sunlight, consuming fortified foods like milk and cereals, and, if necessary, taking dietary supplements.

Are vitamin deficiency diseases common today?

While severe vitamin deficiency diseases like scurvy and rickets are less common in developed countries today due to fortified foods, they can still occur in certain high-risk groups, such as those on restrictive diets or with malabsorption issues.

Which foods are rich in Vitamin C to prevent scurvy?

Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), berries, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy greens like spinach and broccoli.

What is the adult version of rickets?

The adult equivalent of rickets is called osteomalacia. It is also caused by a severe vitamin D deficiency and results in the softening of bones.

Does breastfeeding alone provide enough Vitamin D?

No, breast milk does not contain enough vitamin D to prevent rickets. Exclusively breastfed infants typically need a daily vitamin D supplement.

Can scurvy and rickets be treated?

Yes, both scurvy and rickets are typically treated successfully by supplementing the deficient nutrient. Vitamin C replacement resolves scurvy, and vitamin D and calcium supplementation correct nutritional rickets.