Deficiencies in certain essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals can bring on dangerous diseases. These conditions affect millions of people worldwide, especially refugees and populations in developing countries, according to the World Health Organization. If left untreated, these diseases can result in death.
Scurvy
Scurvy is a serious medical condition that results from a deficiency in vitamin C. According to "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics," vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and an important antioxidant. The first symptom of scurvy is usually hair coiling on the extremities. Bleeding of the gums and bruising of the legs follow. Other symptoms are inflammation of the mouth and tongue. Hematomas occur beneath the outer layer of the bones called the perisoteum. This treatment for scurvy is supplemental vitamin C.
Kwashiorkor
Diets that consist largely of rice, corn, sugar and beans can lead to serious health problems. Kwashiorkor is a condition caused by severe amino acid and protein deprivation, according to "Robins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease." In this condition, the top layer of skin peels off and purple plaques appear on the elbows and buttocks. This condition can be prevented by ingesting adequate amounts of protein, such as beef, poultry and fish.
Pellagra
Niacin is an essential B vitamin. A deficiency in niacin--called Pellagra-- can affect all tissues of the body. This deficiency disease occurs in situations similar to that of kwashiorkor, where corn is a staple of the diet. Dizziness, anorexia, weakness, numbness and burning sensations in the limbs occur within the early stages of this disease. As pellagra persists, the classic triad of diarrhea, dementia and dermatitis manifest. Other signs and symptoms include a swelling and redness of the tongue, intense vomiting, ulcers of the mouth and delirium. The deficiency is treated with supplementation of both niacin and tryptophan, an essential amino acid.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" 17th ed.; Anthony Fauci, M.D., et al., eds.; 2008
- "2007 Current Consult Medicine"; Maxine Papadakis, M.D. and Stephen McPhee, M.D.; 2007
- "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics" 18th ed.; Robert Kliegman, M.D., et al.; 2007
- Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, Professional Edition" 8th ed.; Vinay Kumar, M.D.; 2009
- "Bulletin of the World Health Organization"; Kwashiorkor is Still Not Fully Understood; Michael Krawinkel, Ph.D; 2003
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