When we hear the term “health,” we tend to think of exercise or daily habits. One of the most prevalent causes of a chronic sickness could be a simple deficiency disease. Millions of individuals around the world are afflicted with diet-deficiency diseases, commonly called deficiency diseases. Both vitamin deficiency and mineral deficiency diseases are included, as well as more general categories such as nutritional deficiency diseases and protein-energy malnutrition.
This comprehensive guide delves into the definition of deficiency, the nutrition science of imbalances, informative vitamin deficiency charts and mineral deficiency charts, as well as a clear examination of prevention methods. It’s presented as a reference for students, parents, or anyone interested in understanding how nutrition influences health.
Understanding Deficiency: The Meaning
The word deficiency merely indicates a deficiency or shortage of something essential. In medicine and nutrition, it is used to identify the condition under which the body fails to receive adequate amounts of an essential nutrient, either from diet, inadequate absorption, or elevated demand arising from disease.
Lacking these nutrients, regular body processes slow down or stop. As an example, iron is necessary for the blood to carry oxygen, thus its deficiency leads to anemia. Vitamin D controls calcium, and in its absence, bones grow soft and become weak. All such conditions are referred to as nutritional deficiency diseases.

What is a Deficiency Disease?
A deficiency disease is any illness that develops when a person lacks a specific nutrient over time. These disorders may be caused by:
- Low intake of essential vitamins or minerals.
- Inability of the body to absorb nutrients (for example, in digestive disorders).
- Increased demand for nutrients during growth, pregnancy, or illness.
Classic examples include:
- Scurvy – caused by vitamin C deficiency.
- Rickets – due to vitamin D deficiency.
- Anemia – from iron deficiency.
- Goiter – linked to iodine deficiency.
These are often called nutritional deficiency disorders, and they can affect people of all ages.
Categories of Deficiency Diseases
Deficiency diseases can be grouped into several broad categories:
- Vitamin Deficiency Diseases – conditions caused by a lack of essential vitamins.
- Mineral Deficiency Diseases – illnesses linked to lack of iron, iodine, calcium, etc.
- Protein-Energy Deficiency Diseases – common in children with poor diets.
- Micronutrient Deficiency Diseases – problems caused by a lack of tiny but crucial nutrients like zinc and folate.
- Nutrient Deficiency in Plants – agricultural disorders when crops lack minerals or macronutrients.
Let’s explore each in detail.
Vitamin Deficiency Diseases
Vitamins may be required in small amounts, but they are vital for life. Each vitamin plays a unique role, and without it, the body develops very specific disorders. This is why vitamins and their deficiency diseases are often taught together in school biology.

Vitamin Deficiency Chart
Vitamin | Function | Deficiency Disease | Symptoms |
Vitamin A | Maintains vision, skin health | Night blindness, Xerophthalmia | Poor eyesight, dry eyes |
B1 (Thiamine) | Supports nerve and muscle function | Beri-Beri | Weakness, swelling, heart issues |
B2 (Riboflavin) | Aids energy metabolism | Ariboflavinosis | Cracked lips, sore throat |
B3 (Niacin) | Converts food into energy | Pellagra | Dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia |
B6 | Produces hemoglobin | Anemia | Fatigue, irritability |
B9 (Folic acid) | DNA and cell division | Megaloblastic anemia | Birth defects, weakness |
B12 | Maintains nerve cells | Pernicious anemia | Numbness, memory loss |
Vitamin C | Builds collagen | Scurvy | Bleeding gums, slow wound healing |
Vitamin D | Absorbs calcium | Rickets, Osteomalacia | Weak, soft bones |
Vitamin E | Antioxidant protection | Muscular dystrophy | Muscle weakness |
Vitamin K | Helps blood clot | Delayed clotting | Easy bruising, bleeding |
Mineral Deficiency Diseases
Alongside vitamins, minerals provide structure to bones, regulate hormones, and ensure proper nerve and muscle activity. A shortage leads to specific mineral deficiency diseases.
Mineral Deficiency Chart
Mineral | Role in the Body | Deficiency Disease | Symptoms |
Iron | Forms hemoglobin in blood | Anemia | Fatigue, pale skin, weakness |
Iodine | Produces thyroid hormones | Goiter | Swelling in neck, low metabolism |
Calcium | Strengthens bones and teeth | Rickets or Osteoporosis | Brittle bones, fractures |
Magnesium | Nerve and muscle support | Hypomagnesemia | Spasms, irregular heartbeat |
Zinc | Helps immunity and growth | Growth retardation | Stunted growth, hair loss |
Potassium | Maintains fluid balance | Hypokalemia | Muscle weakness, irregular pulse |
Sodium | Controls water balance | Hyponatremia | Confusion, seizures |

Together, these minerals prevent some of the most common global health issues. For example, iron deficiency anemia is one of the leading causes of fatigue in women worldwide.
Nutritional Deficiency Diseases
A poor diet that lacks one or more food groups often causes broad categories of illnesses. These are collectively known as nutritional deficiency diseases.
List of 10 Nutritional Deficiency Diseases
- Beri-Beri (Vitamin B1 deficiency)
- Pellagra (Vitamin B3 deficiency)
- Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency)
- Rickets (Vitamin D deficiency)
- Night Blindness (Vitamin A deficiency)
- Goiter (Iodine deficiency)
- Anemia (Iron deficiency)
- Kwashiorkor (Protein deficiency)
- Marasmus (Severe calorie deficiency)
- Osteoporosis (Calcium deficiency)
Protein-Energy Deficiency Diseases
In many developing regions, especially among children, malnutrition deficiency diseases are still a major concern. These include:
- Kwashiorkor – caused by severe protein deficiency, leading to swollen belly, thin arms, and skin changes.
- Marasmus – results from extreme calorie deficiency, marked by muscle wasting and weakness.
- Nutritional Deficiency Anemia – caused by a combination of protein and iron shortages.
These disorders highlight how vital both macronutrients and micronutrients are for healthy growth.
Nutrient Deficiency in Plants

Nutritional gaps don’t only affect humans. Plants also require a balance of macronutrients and micronutrients, and when they lack them, visible symptoms appear. Farmers often consult a plant deficiencies chart to diagnose crop problems.
Plant Deficiencies Chart
Nutrient Deficiency | Plant Symptoms |
Nitrogen | Older leaves turn yellow |
Phosphorus | Dark, stunted growth |
Potassium | Brown or burnt leaf edges |
Calcium | Weak root development |
Magnesium | Yellow between leaf veins |
Sulphur | Pale new leaves |
Iron | Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing with green veins) |
This type of nutrient deficiency chart helps improve agricultural productivity and ensures crops remain healthy.
Illustrated Examples of Deficiency Diseases
Visual signs are often the first clue in identifying deficiency disorders. The following are the deficiency diseases pictures for easier understanding:

Rickets is seen in children with bowed legs.

Scurvy causes swollen, bleeding gums.

Anemia is often detected by pale skin and fatigue.

Goiter appears as a large swelling in the neck.

Beri Beri affects cardiovascular health.
Five Common Deficiency Diseases and Prevention
- Rickets – Prevented by sunlight exposure and vitamin D-rich foods.
- Scurvy – Prevented by eating citrus fruits and fresh vegetables.
- Anemia – Prevented by consuming iron-rich foods like spinach and pulses.
- Goiter – Prevented by using iodised salt.
- Beri-Beri – Prevented with whole grains and cereals.
Symptoms of Nutritional Deficiency
Nutritional gaps can develop slowly, and symptoms may be subtle at first. General warning signs include:
- Tiredness and chronic fatigue.
- Muscle weakness or cramps.
- Brittle nails and dry hair.
- Delayed wound healing.
- Memory problems and poor focus.
- Frequent infections.
These nutritional deficiency symptoms highlight the importance of early detection.

Deficiency Diseases in India
India faces a unique nutritional challenge. Despite economic growth, many communities still struggle with malnutrition. The most common nutritional deficiency diseases in India include:
- Iron deficiency anemia, especially in adolescent girls and pregnant women.
- Vitamin D deficiency, surprisingly common even in sunny regions due to indoor lifestyles.
- Protein deficiency, affecting rural children in low-income households.
- Iodine deficiency disorders, especially in hilly areas where the soil is poor in iodine.
Reports suggest that more than 70% of women in India suffer from some form of anemia, making it a public health crisis.
Prevention of Deficiency Diseases
The good news is that most deficiency disorders can be prevented. Some of the strategies include:
- Eating a balanced diet that includes cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein sources.
- Use fortified foods such as iodised salt, fortified flour, and milk.
- Taking supplements when medically prescribed.
- Spending adequate time in sunlight for vitamin D synthesis.
- Undergoing regular health screenings to catch deficiencies early.
This echoes the common advice that deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet.

Vitamins, Sources, and Deficiency Diseases Chart
Vitamin | Food Sources | Deficiency Disease |
A | Carrots, Spinach | Night blindness |
B1 | Whole grains, Nuts | Beri-Beri |
B2 | Milk | Cracked lips |
B3 | Peanuts | Pellagra |
B6 | Banana | Anemia |
B9 | Leafy greens, Legumes | Birth defects, anemia |
B12 | Dairy Products | Pernicious anemia |
C | Citrus fruits, Amla | Scurvy |
D | Sunlight, Fortified milk | Rickets |
E | Nuts, Seeds | Muscle weakness |
K | Green leafy vegetables | Delayed clotting |
This concise table is useful for anyone revising vitamins and their deficiency diseases or preparing a vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases chart.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a deficiency?
Deficiency refers to a lack of essential nutrients needed for normal body functioning.
What is deficiency disease?
It is a disease that arises as a result of the absence of vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients.
Name two deficiency diseases?
Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency) and Rickets (Vitamin D deficiency).
How many vitamins are in the human body?
There are 13 vitamins that are crucial: A, C, D, E, K, and eight of the B-complex family.
Which of these vitamins causes weakness and fatigue?
Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 deficiencies are usually most prevalent with fatigue and weakness.
Conclusion
Deficiency diseases remain a significant global concern, but they are also among the easiest health challenges to prevent. With proper knowledge, awareness, and education, conditions such as vitamin deficiency diseases, mineral deficiency diseases, and other nutritional deficiency disorders can be effectively avoided. A multimodal approach works best: consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality proteins, whole grains, and fortified foods ensures the body gets the essential nutrients it needs. For populations at higher risk, regular medical guidance, timely supplementation, and routine health monitoring play a crucial role in prevention.
In addition, lifestyle interventions like the Habuild’s Free Yoga Challenge can further strengthen immunity, improve nutrient absorption, and enhance overall well-being, complementing dietary strategies. By combining informed nutrition with mindful practices such as yoga, individuals can not only prevent vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases but also promote long-term vitality, resilience, and optimal health for a lifetime. Prevention is not just possible, it’s achievable, sustainable, and within everyone’s reach.