Vitamin Deficiency Quiz

Vitamin A is the correct answer because a lack of this vitamin can cause night blindness. Vitamin A is essential for the health 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 where individuals have difficulty seeing in dim light or at night.

The statement is true because scurvy is a disease that occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps in the formation of connective tissues, blood vessels, and wound healing. Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot produce collagen properly, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, swollen gums, and easy bruising, which are characteristic of scurvy. Therefore, a lack of vitamin C can indeed cause scurvy.

Rickets is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. The lack of vitamin D leads to the improper mineralization of bones, resulting in deformities of the rib cage, skull, and bowed legs. Rickets primarily affects children, as their bones are still growing and developing. Osteomalacia, on the other hand, is a similar condition that affects adults, causing softening of the bones. Beriberi is a different disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), which primarily affects the nervous system and cardiovascular system.

Scurvy is the correct answer because it is a disease that is characterized by symptoms such as losing teeth, gingivitis, and anemia. It was particularly common among sailors of British merchant ships in the 19th century due to their limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables during long voyages. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, which is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, and can be prevented and treated by consuming an adequate amount of this vitamin.

Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of nicotinic acid (niacin) in the diet. It is characterized by various symptoms such as skin problems (dermatitis), gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea), and central nervous system problems (dementia). This aligns with the given description of the disease, making Pellagra the correct answer.

Beriberi is the correct answer because it matches the description given in the question. Beriberi is a disease that is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). It presents with various symptoms including sensory disturbances in the central nervous system, loss of muscle tone, personality disturbances such as depression and poor memory, and heart problems such as abnormal ECG. Rickets and pellagra are not related to thiamine deficiency and do not match the symptoms described.

Osteomalacia is a condition characterized by a softening of the bones due to a deficiency in vitamin D. This deficiency leads to impaired bone mineralization and can result in gross deformities. Osteomalacia is most commonly seen in adults, whereas rickets, another condition related to vitamin D deficiency, is typically seen in children. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency in vitamin C and does not involve bone calcification or deformities. Therefore, the correct answer is Osteomalacia.

Beriberi is caused by a lack of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. Thiamine is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the metabolism of carbohydrates. When there is a deficiency of thiamine, it can lead to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, nerve damage, and heart problems, which are characteristic of beriberi. Pellagra, on the other hand, is caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), and cobalt deficiency is unrelated to thiamine deficiency. Therefore, the correct answer is Beriberi.

Vitamin E is indeed known as alpha-tocopherol. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E and is commonly found in various foods such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Therefore, the statement "Vitamin E is also known as alpha-tocopherol" is true.

Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when the body is unable to absorb enough vitamin B12 from the diet. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, which can be severe and irreversible. Therefore, the correct answer is Vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 contains cobalt because cobalt is an essential component of the structure of vitamin B12. Cobalt is a key element in the structure of the corrin ring, which is a central component of vitamin B12. Without cobalt, the corrin ring cannot form, and therefore, the vitamin B12 molecule cannot be synthesized. This is why cobalt is necessary for the production and function of vitamin B12 in the body.

Pellagra is a disease that is typically caused by a deficiency of nicotinic acid, also known as niacin or vitamin B3. Nicotinic acid is essential for the proper functioning of the body, particularly in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. A deficiency of this nutrient can lead to symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and even death if left untreated. Folic acid and biotin deficiencies, on the other hand, are more commonly associated with other health conditions and do not typically cause pellagra.

Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and adrenal glands. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to neuromuscular degeneration, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling. It can also result in adrenocortical insufficiency, which affects the adrenal glands' ability to produce hormones. Therefore, a deficiency in pantothenic acid can have significant negative effects on both the neuromuscular system and adrenal function.

Vitamin C is essential for wound healing as it plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, a protein necessary for the formation of connective tissues. Deficiency in vitamin C can impair collagen production, leading to delayed wound healing. Additionally, vitamin C is important for the formation of teeth as it aids in the synthesis of dentin, a major component of teeth. Lastly, vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron in the intestines, and its deficiency can result in reduced iron absorption, leading to anemia. Therefore, deficiency in vitamin C can cause failure in wound healing, loss in tooth formation, and failure in intestinal iron absorption.

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is responsible for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. A deficiency in riboflavin can lead to a sore throat as one of the initial signs. As the deficiency progresses, it can cause dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin. Therefore, riboflavin is the correct answer as it fits the description of the first sign being a sore throat and the late sign being dermatitis.

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, can indeed correct B12 deficiency. This is because folic acid works together with vitamin B12 in the body to produce red blood cells and help iron function properly. In cases of B12 deficiency, taking folic acid supplements can improve symptoms and prevent further complications. However, it is important to note that while folic acid can mask the symptoms of B12 deficiency, it does not address the underlying cause. Therefore, it is essential to also address the B12 deficiency itself to ensure proper health and functioning.

Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is essential for maintaining healthy skin and nervous system function. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to skin lesions, which are abnormal changes in the skin's appearance, and convulsive seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled movements of the body caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Therefore, the lack of vitamin B6 can cause these symptoms, making it the correct answer.

Biotin is a vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair and skin. Lack of biotin can lead to alopecia, which is hair loss or thinning, and dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin. Biotin deficiency can disrupt the normal growth and maintenance of hair and skin cells, resulting in these symptoms. Therefore, the correct answer is Biotin.

Those deficiencies present if panthothenic acid is lacking.

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. It plays a crucial role in the production and function of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections. Without enough vitamin A, the immune system becomes compromised and less effective in defending against pathogens. This can lead to an increase in infections. Therefore, the lack of vitamin A can be a contributing factor to compromised immune function and increased susceptibility to infections.