Deficiency diseases occur when the body doesn’t get enough essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or proteins. These diseases can lead to serious health problems if not addressed on time. Understanding them is not just important for health awareness but also crucial for students preparing for exams like NEET, SSC, UPSC, Railways, and State Boards.
Let’s go through a set of important General Knowledge (GK) Questions and Answers on Deficiency Diseases — including causes, symptoms, and preventive measures.
💡 Set of 25 GK Questions and Answers on Deficiency Diseases
Q1. What is the deficiency of Vitamin A known to cause?
Ans. Night blindness (Nyctalopia) — difficulty in seeing in dim light.
Q2. Which vitamin deficiency leads to Rickets in children?
Ans. Vitamin D deficiency — it causes weak and deformed bones.
Q3. Deficiency of Vitamin C causes which disease?
Ans. Scurvy, leading to bleeding gums, joint pain, and slow wound healing.
Q4. Lack of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) causes which disease?
Ans. Beri-Beri, affecting the nervous system and causing muscle weakness.
Q5. Which nutrient deficiency leads to Anemia?
Ans. Iron deficiency — the body produces fewer red blood cells.
Q6. What disease is caused by a deficiency of Iodine?
Ans. Goitre, leading to swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck.
Q7. Deficiency of Protein in children leads to which condition?
Ans. Kwashiorkor, characterized by a swollen belly, stunted growth, and weakness.
Q8. What deficiency causes Marasmus in children?
Ans. Deficiency of both proteins and calories, leading to extreme thinness and fatigue.
Q9. Which mineral deficiency causes Dental caries (tooth decay)?
Ans. Fluoride deficiency.
Q10. Pellagra is caused by the deficiency of which vitamin?
Ans. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) deficiency, leading to skin lesions, diarrhea, and mental disturbances.
Q11. Lack of Vitamin K in the body affects what function?
Ans. It affects blood clotting, causing excessive bleeding from minor injuries.
Q12. Which vitamin is essential for healthy skin and eyesight?
Ans. Vitamin A.
Q13. Osteoporosis occurs due to the deficiency of which nutrient?
Ans. Calcium — it makes bones porous and fragile.
Q14. Which vitamin is also known as Ascorbic Acid?
Ans. Vitamin C.
Q15. What disease is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B12?
Ans. Pernicious Anemia, leading to fatigue and nerve damage.
Q16. Lack of which vitamin leads to Cracked lips and mouth corners (Cheilosis)?
Ans. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) deficiency.
Q17. Deficiency of Zinc may lead to which condition?
Ans. Growth retardation, hair loss, and skin problems.
Q18. Which mineral is important for preventing Muscle cramps?
Ans. Magnesium and Potassium.
Q19. Which vitamin helps the body absorb calcium?
Ans. Vitamin D.
Q20. What is the main symptom of Rickets in children?
Ans. Bowed legs due to softening and weakening of bones.
Q21. Deficiency of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) can cause what condition in pregnant women?
Ans. Neural tube defects in the fetus and megaloblastic anemia.
Q22. Which nutrient’s deficiency causes dry and scaly skin?
Ans. Essential fatty acids deficiency.
Q23. Lack of which vitamin causes delayed wound healing?
Ans. Vitamin C.
Q24. Deficiency of Sodium can result in which symptom?
Ans. Low blood pressure, fatigue, and dehydration.
Q25. Which vitamin helps in maintaining healthy nerves and red blood cells?
Ans. Vitamin B12.
🩺 Common Nutrient Deficiency Diseases at a Glance
| Nutrient | Deficiency Disease | Main Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Night Blindness | Poor vision, dry eyes |
| Vitamin B1 | Beri-Beri | Fatigue, heart problems |
| Vitamin B2 | Cheilosis | Cracked lips, sore throat |
| Vitamin B3 | Pellagra | Dermatitis, diarrhea |
| Vitamin C | Scurvy | Gum bleeding, joint pain |
| Vitamin D | Rickets / Osteomalacia | Weak bones |
| Vitamin K | Bleeding tendency | Slow clotting |
| Iron | Anemia | Weakness, pale skin |
| Iodine | Goitre | Enlarged thyroid |
| Protein | Kwashiorkor / Marasmus | Stunted growth, thinness |
| Calcium | Osteoporosis | Weak bones |
🧾 Summary
Deficiency diseases are fully preventable through balanced nutrition — by eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, legumes, and nuts play a vital role in maintaining nutrient balance.
For exam preparation, students should remember vitamin-disease pairs, their scientific names, and major sources (e.g., Vitamin D – sunlight and dairy, Vitamin C – citrus fruits).
