Common Nutritional Disorders

Nutritional disorders can effect anyone, but most commonly plague the elderly and young children. When the diet does not contain the necessary nutrients and vitamins that are required for the proper functioning of the body's systems, problems may occur within the body. Dysfunctions can result from a nutritional deficiency, which can often be remedied once a change in diet or supplementation is initiated.

Rickets

According to the Mayo Clinic, Rickets can result from a severe deficiency of vitamin D. Rickets can cause the bones to become soft and malleable, which can cause developing bones in children to become deformed. This is most commonly seen in bow-legged children. A supplement of vitamin D, or an increase in foods with a high vitamin D content, is advised. Foods high in vitamin D include salmon, milk products, and eggs.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in the body where oxygen can't be utilized through the blood as it should, and the organs and muscles in the body become fatigued. This is because the body is not producing an adequate amount of red blood cells. These blood cells are a necessary component because they help the oxygen get to the body's systems. Anemia is caused by a depletion of iron in the blood and can be the result of poor diet. Increasing foods into the diet that contain high levels of iron, including liver and clams, can alleviate Anemia, as can taking an iron supplement.

Scurvy

Scurvy is the result of a vitamin C deficiency and according to The National Association for Scurvy Awareness and Prevention, Scurvy is becoming more common due to the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the modern diet. Scurvy can cause the tissues in the body to disconnect and can lead to severe dental abnormalities and joint problems. To alleviate Scurvy, include more fruits and vegetables into the diet that are high in vitamin C, including oranges, strawberries and bell peppers. If these foods are not available, a vitamin C supplement can help treat Scurvy.

Beriberi

Beriberi occurs in people that have a severe deficiency in Thiamine, otherwise known as vitamin B1. According to Medline, Thiamine helps the body's cardiovascular system function properly and when Beriberi is present, the heart and lungs display stressed symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate and difficulty breathing. To treat a Thiamine deficiency, include foods into the diet high in vitamin B1, including sunflower seeds, lentils and pinto beans.

Pellagra

Pellagra is a nutritional deficiency in Niacin that can cause skin disorders in the body, such as dermatitis and psoriasis and mental confusion. Niacin deficiencies can be the result of eating a diet based heavily on grains, without foods that contain Niacin, such as chicken, beef and salmon. To prevent and alleviate Pellagra, incorporate more meats into the diet.