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Avitaminosis is a group of conditions caused by long-term vitamin deficiency, including pellagra, beriberi, scurvy, rickets, and night blindness. Poor nutrition is often the cause, but it is preventable through a balanced diet. Hypervitaminosis is the opposite condition caused by excessive vitamin intake.
Avitaminosis is the term used for a group of conditions or diseases caused by chronic or long-term deficiency of one or more vitamins. Vitamins are substances that play several important roles in the growth and development of every human being. There are many types of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B, and each has different actions in the body. The manifestation of symptoms usually depends on the type of vitamin deficiency an individual has. Examples of conditions associated with avitaminosis are pellagra, beriberi, scurvy, rickets, and night blindness.
Pellagra occurs when a person does not consume enough niacin in their diet. Niacin or vitamin B3 is essential for the proper functioning of the nerves, digestive system and skin. This disease is sometimes called the four D disease because its main symptoms often include diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia – a disease that affects a person’s mental abilities – and sometimes death. Other symptoms include skin rashes, mouth sores, vomiting and tremors.
Beriberi is a condition caused by a deficient intake of vitamin B1 or thiamine. There are two types of beriberi: wet and dry beriberi. Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system and dry beriberi affects the nervous system. This type of avitaminosis is commonly seen in individuals who abuse alcohol. Symptoms include pain and swelling in the legs and feet, increased heart rate, tingling sensations, and wasting in the leg muscles.
Scurvy is a disease caused by long-standing deficiency of ascorbic acid or vitamin C. It is characterized by weakness of the body, inflammation of the gums, anemia, painful joints and bleeding on the skin. There are several groups of individuals who are at high risk for developing scurvy. These include alcoholics, the elderly, children and mentally challenged patients.
Rickets is a nutritional disorder caused by a lack of vitamin D, which controls the production of calcium and phosphate used by the body. This form of avitaminosis often causes the bones of affected children to soften and weaken. Children and adults who usually stay indoors have a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency because exposure to sunlight is often necessary for its production.
Night blindness is often caused by avitaminosis A or a lack of vitamin A. Decreased absorption or intake of vitamin A usually causes the tear glands to malfunction and eventually results in severe dry eyes, irritation, and night blindness. Vitamin A deficiency is known as the leading cause of blindness among children.
Poor nutrition is often the cause of avitaminosis. There are many food sources available in the market that are rich in vitamins, so avitaminosis is primarily a preventable disease. On the other hand, when the body retains excessive amounts of vitamins, the condition is referred to as hypervitaminosis.
