How Much Do You Know About Nutritional Deficiencies? Trivia Quiz

Explanation
Rickets is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, not vitamin K. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for proper bone development. Without enough vitamin D, the bones become weak and soft, leading to the characteristic symptoms of rickets such as bowed legs, delayed growth, and skeletal deformities. Vitamin K, on the other hand, plays a role in blood clotting and bone health, but it is not directly associated with rickets. Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation
Scurvy is indeed a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps in the formation of connective tissues, skin, blood vessels, and bones. Without enough vitamin C, the body is unable to produce collagen, leading to symptoms of scurvy such as fatigue, weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, and impaired wound healing. Therefore, the statement "Scurvy is a disease caused by lack of vitamin C" is true.

Explanation
The statement is false because polished rice actually lacks thiamin, which is a vitamin essential for preventing beriberi. The outer layer of rice, which contains thiamin, is removed during the polishing process. Therefore, consuming only polished rice can lead to a thiamin deficiency and increase the risk of developing beriberi.

Explanation
Thiamin is a nutrient that plays a crucial role in nerve function and heart health. A deficiency of thiamin can lead to prolonged paralysis and potentially fatal heart disturbances. This is because thiamin is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the heart muscle. Without enough thiamin, the nerves and muscles can become weakened, leading to paralysis, and the heart may experience irregular rhythms or other serious complications.

Explanation
When the nutrient team consisting of sodium, chloride, and potassium is not working together properly to control osmosis, it can lead to an imbalance in fluid levels and electrolytes in the body. This can result in an increase in blood pressure, leading to hypertension.

Explanation
Not getting the proper daily intake of fiber can cause constipation. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps it move through the digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements. Without enough fiber, the stool can become hard and difficult to pass, leading to constipation.

Explanation
If the diet lacks sufficient protein and calories, it can lead to a condition called protein-energy malnutrition. This condition occurs when the body does not receive enough essential nutrients, such as proteins and calories, to support proper growth and function. Protein-energy malnutrition can result in symptoms such as weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue, weakened immune system, and impaired cognitive development. It is a serious condition that requires proper nutrition and medical intervention to prevent further complications.

Explanation
Night blindness is a condition characterized by sensitivity to light and reduced ability to see in dim light. This condition is caused by a deficiency of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of the retina, which is responsible for vision in low-light conditions. Without enough vitamin A, the retina cannot function properly, leading to night blindness. Therefore, the correct answer is A. vitamin A.

Explanation
Rickets is a disease that is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which are necessary for proper bone development and growth. When there is a lack of vitamin D, the body is unable to properly mineralize the bones, leading to soft and weak bones. This condition is known as rickets.

Explanation
Skin lesions and digestive problems are the first symptoms of pellagra, which is a disease caused by too little niacin in the diet. Niacin is an essential nutrient that helps the body convert food into energy and plays a key role in maintaining the health of the skin, digestive system, and nervous system. Without enough niacin, the body cannot function properly, leading to the development of symptoms such as skin lesions and digestive problems. Anemia, malnutrition, and hypertension are not directly related to a deficiency of niacin in the diet, making them incorrect choices.

Explanation
Iron is an essential trace element that is crucial for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Consuming more iron in the daily diet can help replenish the body's iron stores and improve the production of healthy red blood cells, thereby alleviating the symptoms of anemia.

Explanation
A visible enlargement of the thyroid gland, known as a goiter, is caused by too little intake of iodine. Iodine is an essential trace element that is required for the production of thyroid hormones. When there is insufficient iodine in the diet, the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones, leading to the enlargement of the gland in an attempt to compensate for the deficiency. This condition is commonly seen in areas where iodine levels in the soil and water are low, resulting in a lack of iodine in the local diet.