avitaminózis

Avitaminosis is a medical condition resulting from a deficiency of one or more essential vitamins. Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities by the body to carry out various physiological functions. When the body does not obtain an adequate supply of a particular vitamin through diet or other means, it can lead to a state of avitaminosis. The specific symptoms and severity of avitaminosis depend on which vitamin is deficient and the extent of that deficiency.

Common examples of avitaminosis include scurvy, caused by a lack of vitamin C, which can manifest as fatigue, gum disease, and poor wound healing. Rickets, a condition affecting bone development in children, is associated with vitamin D deficiency, leading to soft and deformed bones. Pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia, results from a deficiency in niacin (vitamin B3). Beriberi, linked to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Night blindness can be an early sign of vitamin A deficiency, impacting vision.

Avitaminosis can arise from various factors, including inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption of nutrients due to gastrointestinal disorders, increased vitamin requirements during pregnancy or illness, and certain medical conditions or medications that interfere with vitamin metabolism. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests to measure vitamin levels in the blood or urine. Treatment focuses on correcting the deficiency through vitamin supplements and dietary modifications. Prevention involves maintaining a balanced and varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.