Task 1: Unit 8 Learning Aim C
Deficiency Diseases
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is water-soluble. In helping to maintain the nerve and blood
cells of the body healthy, it plays an important role and helps to create DNA and the genetic material
of all cells. A type of anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia that makes people tired and weak is also
prevented by vitamin B12. In animal foods, including meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and some
fortified cereals, vitamin B12 is naturally present. Having vitamin B12 deficiency means there is not
enough of this vitamin in your body. You need B12 to create red blood cells, which bring oxygen
through the body. Not having enough B12 can lead to anaemia, which indicates that there are not
enough red blood cells in your body to do the job. This can make you feel exhausted and frail. B12
deficiency can also lead to rheumatoid arthritis, which minimises inflammation of the joints and
cushioning of the joints. Anaemia with vitamin B12 deficiency is typically treated with vitamin B12
injections in a form called hydroxocobalamin or, less commonly, cyanocobalamin. You will get these
injections every other day for two weeks at least, or before the symptoms stop improving. You can
require a blood transfusion in serious cases. Treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, may be required for rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to maintain the body's amount of calcium and phosphate. In order to keep bones,
teeth, and muscles healthy, these nutrients are needed. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone
deformities in children, such as rickets, and bone pain caused in adults by a condition called
osteomalacia. Vitamin D is produced by the body in reaction to the skin being exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D from sunlight is absorbed into the skin and transfused into blood circulation. Vitamin D
also occurs naturally in a few foods, including certain fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, and fortified dairy
products and grain products+ oily fish. Rickets can result from a lack/deficiency of vitamin D. Rickets
is a disease that affects the growth of bones in infants. As they are still growing and forming their
bones, it is most common in kids. Adults may encounter a related condition known as soft bones or
osteomalacia. Bone pain, slow growth and brittle, fragile bones that can lead to bone deformities are
caused by rickets. Symptoms such as tiredness, bone pain, muscle fatigue, muscle aches, muscle
cramps and/or mood changes such as depression can be caused by lack of vitamin D. Most cases of
rickets and vitamin D deficiency can be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Iron (Anaemia)
Iron is a mineral for growth and development that the body requires. To make haemoglobin, our
body uses iron, a protein in red blood cells that brings oxygen from the lungs to all areas of the body.
To produce some hormones, our body also needs iron. In making red blood cells that carry oxygen
around the body, iron is essential. A lack of iron may lead to anaemia due to iron deficiency. Iron is a
mineral for growth and development that the body requires. To make haemoglobin, our body uses
iron, a protein in red blood cells that brings oxygen from the lungs to all areas of the body. To
produce some hormones, our body also needs iron. In making red blood cells that carry oxygen
around the body, iron is essential. A lack of iron may lead to anaemia due to iron deficiency. Iron
deficiency anaemia can be treated by taking iron tablets and/or eating more foods rich in iron within
your diet. Symptoms of anaemia and iron deficiency includes fatigue and faintness due to lack
oxygen being transported to the body’s cells via the red blood cells.
Zinc
1
, Task 1: Unit 8 Learning Aim C
For a healthy immune system, zinc is a trace element that is essential. A lack of zinc may render an
individual more vulnerable to illness and disease. In the human body, it is responsible for a variety of
functions and helps to promote the activity of at least 100 different enzymes. Zinc is a nutrient
required by individuals to remain healthy. In cells all over the body, zinc is present. It helps fend off
invading bacteria and viruses from the immune system. To produce proteins and DNA, the genetic
material of all cells, the body also requires zinc. Meat, shellfish, dairy foods - such as cheese are all-
natural sources of Zinc. Because zinc affects so many processes in the body, zinc deficiency does not
have a single distinct symptom. Loss of or reduced smell and taste, slow wound healing, hair loss,
skin roughening, low libido (men), canker sores, lethargy, and deformed nails are some of the more
common symptoms. Mild zinc deficiency can be treated with zinc supplements taken for about 2
weeks; severe zinc deficiency can also be treated with zinc supplements but for a more prolonged
time until the individuals’ symptoms subside.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
For the growth, development and repair of all body tissues, vitamin C is essential. It is involved in
many functions of the body, including collagen production, iron absorption, the proper functioning
of the immune system, wound healing, and the preservation of cartilage, bones, and teeth. Natural
sources of vitamin c are found in a wide variety of fruits and [some] vegetables, for example, citric
fruits i.e. lemon, oranges (and orange juice). Strawberries, kiwis and so on. A lack of vitamin c can
lead to a disease called scurvy. For at least 3 months, scurvy is caused by not getting enough vitamin
C in your diet. Vitamin C is present predominantly in vegetables and fruits. Symptoms of scurvy
include swollen, spongy and purple gums that are susceptible to bleeding, missing teeth, bulging
eyes (proptosis) and (severe and simple bruising) bleeding into the skin. By adding some vitamin C to
your diet, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, scurvy is easily cured. Until you feel better, your GP
might also suggest taking vitamin C supplements.
Importance of Key Nutrients for a Balanced Diet
Starch
Starch is the body’s main source of energy, as we get energy from glucose. Starch is a chain of
glucose molecules bound together by glycosidic bonds to form an even larger molecule. This is called
a polysaccharide. After the consumption of starch, the polysaccharide (starch) is broken down into
monosaccharides (single glucose molecules) for digestion. Furthermore, our body digests starch to
make glucose, which is vital energy source for every cell and its function. Since starch is a major
energy source due to its complex chain of glucose molecules. Not eating any or enough starch will
result in a lack of sugar (glucose) intake that is produced from the starch, making you feel tired,
fatigued and/or less energetic. You could also develop ketosis or hypoglycaemia if the lack of starch
is prolonged (long term) and lethargy.
Protein
Proteins are biological polymers composed of amino acids. Amino acids, linked together by peptide
bonds, form a polypeptide chain. One or more polypeptide chains twisted into a 3-D shape form a
protein. Our body uses protein to build and repair tissues. We also use protein to make enzymes,
hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles,
cartilage, skin, and blood. All cells within the body contain protein. Weakness and fatigue will strike
your body if there is lack of protein in your body. Over time, a lack of protein can make you lose
2
Deficiency Diseases
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is water-soluble. In helping to maintain the nerve and blood
cells of the body healthy, it plays an important role and helps to create DNA and the genetic material
of all cells. A type of anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia that makes people tired and weak is also
prevented by vitamin B12. In animal foods, including meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and some
fortified cereals, vitamin B12 is naturally present. Having vitamin B12 deficiency means there is not
enough of this vitamin in your body. You need B12 to create red blood cells, which bring oxygen
through the body. Not having enough B12 can lead to anaemia, which indicates that there are not
enough red blood cells in your body to do the job. This can make you feel exhausted and frail. B12
deficiency can also lead to rheumatoid arthritis, which minimises inflammation of the joints and
cushioning of the joints. Anaemia with vitamin B12 deficiency is typically treated with vitamin B12
injections in a form called hydroxocobalamin or, less commonly, cyanocobalamin. You will get these
injections every other day for two weeks at least, or before the symptoms stop improving. You can
require a blood transfusion in serious cases. Treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, may be required for rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to maintain the body's amount of calcium and phosphate. In order to keep bones,
teeth, and muscles healthy, these nutrients are needed. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone
deformities in children, such as rickets, and bone pain caused in adults by a condition called
osteomalacia. Vitamin D is produced by the body in reaction to the skin being exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D from sunlight is absorbed into the skin and transfused into blood circulation. Vitamin D
also occurs naturally in a few foods, including certain fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, and fortified dairy
products and grain products+ oily fish. Rickets can result from a lack/deficiency of vitamin D. Rickets
is a disease that affects the growth of bones in infants. As they are still growing and forming their
bones, it is most common in kids. Adults may encounter a related condition known as soft bones or
osteomalacia. Bone pain, slow growth and brittle, fragile bones that can lead to bone deformities are
caused by rickets. Symptoms such as tiredness, bone pain, muscle fatigue, muscle aches, muscle
cramps and/or mood changes such as depression can be caused by lack of vitamin D. Most cases of
rickets and vitamin D deficiency can be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Iron (Anaemia)
Iron is a mineral for growth and development that the body requires. To make haemoglobin, our
body uses iron, a protein in red blood cells that brings oxygen from the lungs to all areas of the body.
To produce some hormones, our body also needs iron. In making red blood cells that carry oxygen
around the body, iron is essential. A lack of iron may lead to anaemia due to iron deficiency. Iron is a
mineral for growth and development that the body requires. To make haemoglobin, our body uses
iron, a protein in red blood cells that brings oxygen from the lungs to all areas of the body. To
produce some hormones, our body also needs iron. In making red blood cells that carry oxygen
around the body, iron is essential. A lack of iron may lead to anaemia due to iron deficiency. Iron
deficiency anaemia can be treated by taking iron tablets and/or eating more foods rich in iron within
your diet. Symptoms of anaemia and iron deficiency includes fatigue and faintness due to lack
oxygen being transported to the body’s cells via the red blood cells.
Zinc
1
, Task 1: Unit 8 Learning Aim C
For a healthy immune system, zinc is a trace element that is essential. A lack of zinc may render an
individual more vulnerable to illness and disease. In the human body, it is responsible for a variety of
functions and helps to promote the activity of at least 100 different enzymes. Zinc is a nutrient
required by individuals to remain healthy. In cells all over the body, zinc is present. It helps fend off
invading bacteria and viruses from the immune system. To produce proteins and DNA, the genetic
material of all cells, the body also requires zinc. Meat, shellfish, dairy foods - such as cheese are all-
natural sources of Zinc. Because zinc affects so many processes in the body, zinc deficiency does not
have a single distinct symptom. Loss of or reduced smell and taste, slow wound healing, hair loss,
skin roughening, low libido (men), canker sores, lethargy, and deformed nails are some of the more
common symptoms. Mild zinc deficiency can be treated with zinc supplements taken for about 2
weeks; severe zinc deficiency can also be treated with zinc supplements but for a more prolonged
time until the individuals’ symptoms subside.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
For the growth, development and repair of all body tissues, vitamin C is essential. It is involved in
many functions of the body, including collagen production, iron absorption, the proper functioning
of the immune system, wound healing, and the preservation of cartilage, bones, and teeth. Natural
sources of vitamin c are found in a wide variety of fruits and [some] vegetables, for example, citric
fruits i.e. lemon, oranges (and orange juice). Strawberries, kiwis and so on. A lack of vitamin c can
lead to a disease called scurvy. For at least 3 months, scurvy is caused by not getting enough vitamin
C in your diet. Vitamin C is present predominantly in vegetables and fruits. Symptoms of scurvy
include swollen, spongy and purple gums that are susceptible to bleeding, missing teeth, bulging
eyes (proptosis) and (severe and simple bruising) bleeding into the skin. By adding some vitamin C to
your diet, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, scurvy is easily cured. Until you feel better, your GP
might also suggest taking vitamin C supplements.
Importance of Key Nutrients for a Balanced Diet
Starch
Starch is the body’s main source of energy, as we get energy from glucose. Starch is a chain of
glucose molecules bound together by glycosidic bonds to form an even larger molecule. This is called
a polysaccharide. After the consumption of starch, the polysaccharide (starch) is broken down into
monosaccharides (single glucose molecules) for digestion. Furthermore, our body digests starch to
make glucose, which is vital energy source for every cell and its function. Since starch is a major
energy source due to its complex chain of glucose molecules. Not eating any or enough starch will
result in a lack of sugar (glucose) intake that is produced from the starch, making you feel tired,
fatigued and/or less energetic. You could also develop ketosis or hypoglycaemia if the lack of starch
is prolonged (long term) and lethargy.
Protein
Proteins are biological polymers composed of amino acids. Amino acids, linked together by peptide
bonds, form a polypeptide chain. One or more polypeptide chains twisted into a 3-D shape form a
protein. Our body uses protein to build and repair tissues. We also use protein to make enzymes,
hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles,
cartilage, skin, and blood. All cells within the body contain protein. Weakness and fatigue will strike
your body if there is lack of protein in your body. Over time, a lack of protein can make you lose
2
