The disease of pirates: the grey-death. Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C, whose chemical name, ascorbic acid, is derived from the Latin term for scurvy, scorbutus. Even though the disease was known since ancient times (described by Hippocrates around 400 BCE), it was not a scourge to those who were largely land-bound. Even though its causes were unknown, many cultures realized that eating certain herbs could reverse the symptoms, and as long as there was access to fresh food, it was generally kept under control.

2. RICKETS

This condition is brought on by a lack of vitamin D, which causes the body to be unable to absorb or deposit calcium. Less commonly, it can also be caused by a lack of calcium or phosphorus, but vitamin D deficiency is by far the most common cause. Unlike vitamin C, the human body is able to produce vitamin D, but only if it has the metabolic precursors available to it.

3. BERIBERI

This condition is largely confined to Asia, especially in countries where boiled rice is a staple. The Sinhalese term “beri-beri” means, “I cannot, I cannot,” and derives from the inability to perform even the simplest of tasks once the polyneuritis (nerve inflammation) caused by the deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) has permanently damaged the neurons, when the condition has progressed to the end-stage.

What causes blistering of the skin in the sun, pale skin, a craving for raw meat, blood dripping from the mouth, aggression, and insanity? If you answered “vampirism,” you’re close—the myth of the vampire may have its roots in the condition known as “pellagra.”

Pellagra is caused by a lack of vitamin B3 (niacin). First identified and commonly diagnosed in the Asturian Empire (now Northern Spain), it was originally called “Asturian leprosy.” However, the condition was seen throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, wherever a large percentage of food energy was derived from corn, and fresh meat was not available. The area of highest prevalence was Northern Italy, where Francesco Frapoli of Milan called it “pelle agra,” meaning “sour skin.”

According to the Vitamin D Council, about 40 percent of the population worldwide is affected by vitamin D deficiency. Dark skinned individuals are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. It helps the body maintain the right levels of calcium in order to regulate the development of teeth and bones. A lack of this nutrient can lead to stunted or defective bone growth. Osteoporosis, caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D, can lead to porous and fragile bones that break very easily.

Vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods. Foods with vitamin D include:

Many dairy products in the United States are fortified with vitamin D. Ultraviolet light from the sun is also a source of vitamin D. According to the NIH’s Office of Dietary Supplements, research suggests that five to 30 minutes of sun exposure twice a week on the face, arms, neck, or back can provide you with enough vitamin D. (Although recommended for UV protection, sunscreen does hinder vitamin D absorption from sunlight through the skin, so spend a few minutes in the sun prior to sunscreen for optimal vitamin D absorption).

1.    Malnutrition can be caused by:
a.     A reduced intake of nutrients.
b.    An inability to use absorbed nutrients.
c.     The failure to meet a required increase in nutrient intake.
d.    Nutrient losses.
2.    There are three stages to provide energy in cases of malnutrition:
a.     The carbohydrates stores in the body are used.
b.    The fat reserves are oxidised.
c.     Proteins in the muscle are broken down.          
Finally, when protein levels have been reduced to half their normal value, it may be fatal

Osteoporosis, or weak, brittle bones, can result from lack of dietary calcium -- or reduced calcium absorption in your body. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, groups of people with an increased risk for developing osteoporosis include postmenopausal women, women with eating disorders such as anorexia, people who avoid dairy products and vegetarians. Although dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, you don’t have to consume dairy foods to meet your daily calcium requirements. Calcium-fortified foods and beverages – like some breakfast cereals, brands of orange juice, tofu, soy milk, almond milk and soy yogurt – are excellent sources of dietary calcium. Many multivitamin supplements are also rich in calcium.