Nutrition & Deficiency Diseases: Exam-Oriented Guide 2026
- Swarangi Nawge
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Introduction : Nutrition & Deficiency Diseases
As we move into the 2026 academic cycle, the topic of Nutrition & Deficiency Diseases remains a cornerstone of medical and competitive examinations. Whether you are appearing for national-level entrance tests or state-level boards, understanding how our body processes fuel—and what happens when that fuel runs low—is non-negotiable.
A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body fails to absorb or receive the necessary amount of a specific nutrient over a prolonged period. With shifting global food patterns, "hidden hunger" (micronutrient deficiency) has become a major talking point in international health reports. This guide breaks down complex medical jargon into easy-to-remember points, ensuring you are fully prepared for any question that comes your way.
The Science of Human Nutrition
Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life. For students, it is vital to distinguish between the two pillars of nutrition:
Macronutrients: These are required in large quantities. They include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are the primary providers of energy.
Micronutrients: These are vitamins and minerals required in trace amounts. While they don't provide energy directly, they act as "spark plugs" for metabolic reactions.
Important Calculation Concepts
In your exams, you may encounter questions regarding the energy balance of the human body. You should be familiar with the following concepts:
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE)
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Thermic Effect of Food (TEF)
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)
Understanding these helps in calculating the exact nutritional requirements for individuals based on their lifestyle and metabolic health.
1. Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
PEM is a major area of focus in human physiology. It primarily affects children in developing regions where access to protein-rich food is limited.
Kwashiorkor
This is caused by a severe protein deficiency even if the calorie intake is sufficient. It is often seen in children who are displaced from breastfeeding by a younger sibling.
Symptoms: Edema (swelling of the feet and abdomen), "moon face," thinning hair, and an enlarged liver.
Marasmus
Unlike Kwashiorkor, Marasmus is a total deficiency of both proteins and calories.
Symptoms: Extreme emaciation, "old man" appearance of the face, wrinkled skin, and complete loss of subcutaneous fat.
2. The Ultimate Vitamin Deficiency Chart 2026
Vitamins are classified into two groups based on their solubility. This classification is a favorite for "Match the Column" style questions in exams.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)
These are stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. They stay in the body longer, so toxicity can occur if taken in excess.
Vitamin Name | Chemical Name | Deficiency Disease | Key Function |
Vitamin A | Retinol | Night Blindness, Xerophthalmia | Vision & Immune health |
Vitamin D | Calciferol | Rickets (Kids), Osteomalacia (Adults) | Calcium absorption |
Vitamin E | Tocopherol | Muscular Weakness, Fertility issues | Antioxidant |
Vitamin K | Phylloquinone | Delayed Blood Clotting | Synthesis of clotting factors |
Water-Soluble Vitamins (B-Complex, C)
These are not stored in the body and need to be replenished daily through diet.
Vitamin Name | Chemical Name | Deficiency Disease |
Vitamin B1 | Thiamine | Beriberi |
Vitamin B2 | Riboflavin | Ariboflavinosis (Cracked lips/Cheilosis) |
Vitamin B3 | Niacin | Pellagra (Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia) |
Vitamin B9 | Folic Acid | Megaloblastic Anaemia, Neural Tube Defects |
Vitamin B12 | Cyanocobalamin | Pernicious Anaemia |
Vitamin C | Ascorbic Acid | Scurvy (Bleeding gums) |
3. Essential Minerals and Their Deficiency Impact
Minerals are inorganic elements that originate in the earth and cannot be made by living organisms.
Iron (Fe): Essential for making haemoglobin. Deficiency leads to Anaemia, characterized by fatigue and pale skin.
Iodine (I): Required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Deficiency leads to Goitre (swelling in the neck) and Cretinism in infants.
Calcium (Ca): Vital for bone health and muscle contraction. Deficiency leads to Osteoporosis and brittle bones.
Fluoride (F): Necessary for maintaining tooth enamel. Deficiency causes dental caries, while excess causes Fluorosis (brown staining of teeth).
4. High-Yield Exam Facts
Based on an analysis of previous years' question papers, keep these "Golden Points" in mind:
Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin that contains a metal ion (Cobalt).
Vitamin D is often referred to as the "Sunshine Vitamin" because the body can synthesize it when exposed to UV rays.
Vitamin C is the most heat-sensitive vitamin and is easily destroyed during cooking.
Golden Rice is a genetically modified crop designed specifically to solve Vitamin A deficiency in developing nations.
5. Global Health Trends for 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health ministries have updated their focus for 2026 on "Bio-fortification." This involves breeding crops to have higher levels of vitamins and minerals. There is also a significant push toward Nutri-cereals (Millets) to address the dual burden of malnutrition and obesity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the primary causes of Nutrition & Deficiency Diseases?
Answer: The primary causes include an imbalanced diet, poor absorption by the digestive system (due to conditions like Celiac disease), and increased physiological demand during pregnancy or illness.
Q2: Which vitamin deficiency is associated with the '4 D’s'?
Answer: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) deficiency causes Pellagra, which is characterized by the 4 D’s: Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia, and, if untreated, Death.
Q3: Why is Vitamin B12 deficiency common in vegetarians?
Answer: Since Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products (meat, eggs, dairy), those on a strict plant-based diet are at a higher risk and often require fortified foods or supplements.
Q4: What is the difference between Dry and Wet Beriberi?
Answer: Both are caused by Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency. Dry Beriberi affects the nervous system (wasting and paralysis), while Wet Beriberi affects the cardiovascular system (shortness of breath and heart failure).
Conclusion
Mastering nutrition is about understanding the synergy between what we eat and how our body functions. For exams, focus on the Vitamin Deficiency Chart and the specific symptoms of mineral shortages to ensure high accuracy in your science section.
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