Deficiency Diseases Practice Questions
20 free Deficiency Diseases practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following diseases is caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin C?
- A Scurvy
- B Anemia
- C Pellagra
- D Beri-Beri
Correct answer: Scurvy
Scurvy is caused by a lack of Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. It leads to symptoms such as bleeding gums, skin spots, and slow wound healing.
A person suffering from 'Night Blindness' is likely deficient in which vitamin?
- A Vitamin B12
- B Vitamin K
- C Vitamin D
- D Vitamin A
Correct answer: Vitamin A
Vitamin A (Retinol) is critical for maintaining healthy vision, especially in low light. A deficiency prevents the production of rhodopsin, leading to night blindness.
Which mineral deficiency is the most common cause of Goitre, characterized by the swelling of the thyroid gland?
- A Iron
- B Calcium
- C Magnesium
- D Iodine
Correct answer: Iodine
The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce hormones like thyroxine. When iodine intake is low, the gland enlarges in an attempt to capture more iodine, resulting in a goitre.
Beri-Beri is a nutritional disorder caused by the deficiency of which specific B-complex vitamin?
- A Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- B Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- C Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- D Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Correct answer: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Beri-Beri results from a Thiamine (B1) deficiency, which affects the heart and circulatory system or the nerves and muscles. It is often seen in populations relying heavily on polished rice.
Which of the following conditions in children is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin D, leading to soft and weak bones?
- A Rickets
- B Osteomalacia
- C Osteoporosis
- D Anaemia
Correct answer: Rickets
Rickets occurs in children whose bones are still growing and fail to mineralize properly due to a lack of Vitamin D. This leads to skeletal deformities like bowed legs.
The deficiency of which nutrient leads to 'Kwashiorkor', a condition often seen in children with a bloated abdomen?
- A Carbohydrates
- B Fats
- C Iron
- D Proteins
Correct answer: Proteins
Kwashiorkor is a form of severe protein-energy malnutrition. The lack of protein causes osmotic imbalances, leading to edema or swelling, particularly in the abdominal region.
Pellagra is a disease characterized by the '3 Ds' (Dermatitis, Diarrhea, and Dementia). It is caused by a deficiency of:
- A Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- B Folic acid (Vitamin B9)
- C Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
- D Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Correct answer: Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin deficiency causes Pellagra, which affects the skin, digestive system, and nervous system. It was historically common in regions where maize was the primary food source.
Excessive bleeding from a small cut or wound can be a sign of a deficiency in which vitamin?
- A Vitamin E
- B Vitamin C
- C Vitamin A
- D Vitamin K
Correct answer: Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of proteins required for blood coagulation (clotting). Without it, the blood takes much longer to clot, leading to hemorrhaging.
Anaemia is most commonly caused by the deficiency of which mineral in the human body?
- A Calcium
- B Sodium
- C Zinc
- D Iron
Correct answer: Iron
Iron is a central component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low iron levels result in fewer red blood cells and decreased oxygen delivery to tissues.
A deficiency of Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) can lead to which specific type of anaemia?
- A Sickle cell anaemia
- B Pernicious anaemia
- C Aplastic anaemia
- D Iron-deficiency anaemia
Correct answer: Pernicious anaemia
Pernicious anaemia occurs when the body cannot absorb enough Vitamin B12, which is necessary for making healthy red blood cells. It often involves the lack of 'intrinsic factor' in the stomach.
Osteomalacia is the adult equivalent of which childhood deficiency disease?
- A Scurvy
- B Rickets
- C Beri-Beri
- D Marasmus
Correct answer: Rickets
Both Rickets and Osteomalacia are caused by Vitamin D deficiency. While Rickets affects growing children, Osteomalacia refers to the softening of bones in adults.
Which of the following is a symptom of 'Xerophthalmia' caused by Vitamin A deficiency?
- A Persistent swelling and bleeding of the gums
- B Severe dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea
- C Progressive brittleness of the fingernails
- D Gradual and progressive loss of hearing
Correct answer: Severe dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea
Xerophthalmia is a progressive eye disease caused by Vitamin A deficiency. It begins with night blindness and can lead to severe dryness and eventually permanent blindness.
The deficiency of which vitamin is associated with 'Megaloblastic Anaemia'?
- A Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- B Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- C Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
- D Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Correct answer: Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. Its deficiency results in the production of abnormally large, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts).
Marasmus is a deficiency disease caused by a severe lack of both proteins and:
- A Vitamins
- B Minerals
- C Calories
- D Water
Correct answer: Calories
Unlike Kwashiorkor, which is mainly protein deficiency, Marasmus is caused by a total deficiency of all macronutrients, including calories, leading to extreme emaciation.
Which mineral deficiency is primarily responsible for dental caries (tooth decay)?
- A Fluoride
- B Chlorine
- C Potassium
- D Phosphorus
Correct answer: Fluoride
Fluoride helps in the remineralization of tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid. A deficiency increases the risk of developing cavities.
Cheilosis (cracking at the corners of the mouth) and Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) are signs of which deficiency?
- A Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- B Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
- C Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)
- D Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Correct answer: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin (B2) deficiency, known as ariboflavinosis, typically manifests as lesions on the lips (cheilosis) and a magenta-colored, inflamed tongue (glossitis).
Which vitamin deficiency is specifically linked to neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns?
- A Vitamin A
- B Vitamin D
- C Folic Acid
- D Vitamin B1
Correct answer: Folic Acid
Folic acid is vital for early fetal brain and spine development. Pregnant women are advised to take supplements to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida.
Abnormally low blood levels of which mineral can cause muscle cramps, spasms, and long-term bone density issues?
- A Sodium
- B Potassium
- C Calcium
- D Magnesium
Correct answer: Calcium
Hypocalcemia refers to low levels of calcium in the blood. It can cause muscle cramps, spasms, and long-term bone density issues.
Sterility or reproductive failure in some animals is associated with the deficiency of which vitamin?
- A Vitamin A
- B Vitamin E
- C Vitamin K
- D Vitamin C
Correct answer: Vitamin E
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) acts as an antioxidant and is important for reproductive health. Its deficiency can lead to infertility and muscle weakness.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder usually associated with the deficiency of which vitamin?
- A Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- B Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- C Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
- D Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Correct answer: Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Commonly seen in chronic alcoholism, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by a severe thiamine deficiency, which impairs brain function and memory.