The major causes of food deficiency diseases are:
1. Inadequate intake of essential nutrients: This can occur due to a lack of access to a variety of foods or a poor diet lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
2. Poor absorption of nutrients: Certain medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or intestinal parasites can impair the absorption of nutrients from the digestive system, leading to deficiencies.
3. Increased nutrient requirements: During certain life stages like pregnancy, lactation, infancy, or adolescence, the body's nutrient requirements increase. If these increased requirements are not met through diet, deficiencies can occur.
4. Imbalanced diet: Consuming an unbalanced diet that is high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats while lacking in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Some common deficiency diseases and their causes are:
1. Iron deficiency anemia: Caused by insufficient intake or poor absorption of iron, leading to a decrease in red blood cell production.
2. Vitamin D deficiency: Caused by inadequate exposure to sunlight or a lack of dietary sources, leading to weakened bones and increased risk of fractures.
3. Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy): Caused by a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet, leading to weakness, bleeding gums, and impaired wound healing.
4. Iodine deficiency disorders: Caused by a lack of iodine in the diet, leading to thyroid dysfunction and goiter.
A balanced diet refers to a diet that provides all the essential nutrients, in the right proportions, to support optimal health and well-being. It includes a variety of foods from different food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A balanced diet ensures that the body receives adequate amounts of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to meet its nutritional needs. It helps prevent nutrient deficiencies, supports growth and development, boosts the immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.