Select nutrient-deficiency diseases

disease (and key nutrient involved) symptoms foods rich in key nutrient

xerophthalmia

(vitamin A) blindness from chronic eye infections, poor growth, dryness and keratinization of epithelial tissues liver, fortified milk, sweet potatoes, spinach, greens, carrots, cantaloupe, apricots

rickets

(vitamin D) weakened bones, bowed legs, other bone deformities fortified milk, fish oils, sun exposure

beriberi

(thiamin) nerve degeneration, altered muscle

coordination, cardiovascular problems pork, whole and enriched grains, dried beans, sunflower seeds

pellagra

(niacin) diarrhea, skin inflammation, dementia mushrooms, bran, tuna, chicken, beef, peanuts, whole and enriched grains

scurvy

(vitamin C) delayed wound healing, internal bleeding, abnormal formation of bones and teeth citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli

iron-deficiency anemia (iron deficiency anemia)

(iron) decreased work output, reduced growth,

increased health risk in pregnancy meat, spinach, seafood, broccoli, peas, bran, whole-grain and enriched breads

goitre

(iodine) enlarged thyroid gland, poor growth in infancy and childhood, possible mental retardation, cretinism iodized salt, saltwater fish

Source: Gordon M. Wardlaw, Perspectives in Nutrition (1999).