Deficiency diseases symptoms
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Symptoms of Deficiency Diseases: An Overview
Deficiency diseases arise when the body lacks essential nutrients, leading to various health issues. This article explores the symptoms associated with different nutrient deficiencies, drawing insights from multiple research studies.
Vitamin C Deficiency: Scurvy Symptoms
Scurvy, caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and anemia. It is particularly prevalent among individuals with severe dietary restrictions, such as those with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) associated with autism 1. The condition can lead to severe health complications if not addressed promptly.
Vitamin A Deficiency: Xerophthalmia and Beyond
Vitamin A deficiency manifests in a range of symptoms, from xerophthalmia (dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea) to more severe issues like blindness, impaired immune function, and increased susceptibility to infections 610. This deficiency is a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries, where it contributes to high rates of morbidity and mortality among children 10.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Neurological and Hematological Symptoms
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hematological issues like anemia and neurological problems such as myelopathy, neuropathy, and cognitive impairments 3. Patients may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and even heart failure symptoms in severe cases. Neurological symptoms can include memory loss, dementia, and visual disturbances 3.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Bone Health and Hyperparathyroidism
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to bone health issues such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. It can also exacerbate conditions like hyperparathyroidism, leading to severe bone pain and deformities 7. In regions with poor nutritional status, vitamin D deficiency is a common problem, often compounded by cultural and environmental factors 7.
Vitamin E Deficiency: Neurological Complications
Severe vitamin E deficiency, though rare, can result in significant neurological complications, including ataxia, muscle weakness, and visual disturbances 4. These symptoms are due to the loss of the protective effects of vitamin E against neurotoxic agents, leading to progressive neurological damage 4.
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) Deficiency: Beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Thiamin deficiency can lead to beriberi, which presents with symptoms such as weight loss, emotional disturbances, impaired sensory perception, and weakness. In severe cases, it can cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by confusion, ataxia, and memory problems 1.
Immunological Deficiencies: Increased Susceptibility to Infections
Nutritional deficiencies can also impact the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. For instance, deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and D can impair immune function, making individuals more prone to recurrent infections and autoimmune diseases 58.
Conclusion
Deficiency diseases present with a wide array of symptoms, depending on the specific nutrient lacking. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent severe health complications. Regular screening for nutrient deficiencies, especially in at-risk populations, can help mitigate these health issues and improve overall well-being.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Nutritional Deficiency Disease Secondary to ARFID Symptoms Associated with Autism and the Broad Autism Phenotype: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series.
Individuals with autism and the broad autism phenotype who have severe self-imposed dietary restrictions are at risk for nutritional deficiency diseases, highlighting the need for early and frequent micronutrient intake screening.
Systematic ReviewEtiology of Deficiency Diseases
Deficiency diseases are caused by a deficiency of essential substances in food, with symptoms such as general cachexia, nervous symptoms, and weight loss.
Highly CitedCobalamin Deficiency: Clinical Picture and Radiological Findings
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause various hematological, gastrointestinal, psychiatric, and neurological disorders, with symptoms ranging from anemia to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Case Report
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAtaxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency: case report and review of the literature.
Isolated vitamin E deficiency can cause progressive spinocerebellar syndrome, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and diagnosis and treatment require careful consideration of other factors.
Case ReportImmunological deficiencies: more frequent than they seem to be
Immunity disorders are more common than previously thought, and early diagnosis and therapeutic measures can reduce morbidity and mortality in children with immune system deficiencies.
Systematic ReviewVitamin a deficiency and clinical disease: an historical overview.
Vitamin A deficiency has been identified and documented since the early 20th century, with its clinical manifestations ranging from xerophthalmia to growth disturbances and susceptibility to severe infections.
Highly CitedHyperparathyroidism and Malnutrition with Severe Vitamin D Deficiency
In developing countries, severe vitamin D and calcium deficiency can cause advanced hyperparathyroidism and exacerbate bone symptoms, with limited evidence linking vitamin D status to clinical severity.
Systematic ReviewPrimary immunodeficiency disorders: antibody deficiency.
Antibody deficiencies are the most common primary immune deficiencies in humans, with symptoms often appearing in the latter part of the first year of life, and molecular immunology has led to better understanding of their pathogenesis.
Highly CitedPrimary coenzyme Q deficiencies: A literature review and online platform of clinical features to uncover genotype-phenotype correlations.
This study identified common clinical manifestations and associations between age of onset of symptoms and COQ gene variants, potentially improving diagnosis and guided treatment in primary Coenzyme Q deficiency.
Literature ReviewThe vicious cycle of vitamin a deficiency: A review
Vitamin A deficiency leads to a vicious cycle of malnutrition, inflammation, and improper growth, causing blindness in young children and increased death rates from severe infections.
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