Biology – 7.1 Human nutrition – diet | e-Consult
7.1 Human nutrition – diet (1 questions)
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Vitamin D: Role and Deficiency Consequences
Role: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption from the gut. This is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in immune function and may have protective effects against certain chronic diseases.
Deficiency Consequences:
- Rickets (children): Impaired bone mineralization leads to soft, weak bones and skeletal deformities.
- Osteomalacia (adults): Softening of bones, causing pain, muscle weakness, and increased fracture risk.
- Increased risk of osteoporosis: Weakened bones and increased susceptibility to fractures later in life.
- Potential link to other diseases: Possible association with autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.
Iron: Role and Deficiency Consequences
Role: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It is also involved in energy production and immune function.
Deficiency Consequences:
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: Reduced red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, leading to fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Impaired Cognitive Function: Impacts brain development and function, affecting concentration, memory, and learning.
- Weakened Immune System: Increased susceptibility to infections.