Deficiency Diseases: Rickets, Beriberi, and Scurvy

Good morning everyone! Today we're going to talk about three important deficiency diseases - Rickets, Beriberi, and Scurvy. I'm Kartik, and this is my classmate Sumit. We're both first-year BBA Healthcare students here at DPSRU, and we've researched these conditions to understand how nutrition plays a crucial role in our health.

Who We Are

Just a quick intro about us - I'm Kartik, and my partner here is Sumit. We're both passionate about healthcare management and understanding the medical side of things helps us become better healthcare administrators in the future. This presentation is about understanding deficiency diseases that, believe it or not, still affect millions globally.

What Are Deficiency Diseases?

• These conditions occur when the body lacks essential nutrients like vitamins or minerals
• Think of your body as a machine that needs the right fuel to function properly
• Rickets, Beriberi, and Scurvy are classic examples of nutrient deficiencies
• Each disease is linked to a specific vitamin deficiency

Why This Matters Today

• These diseases are not just historical problems - they remain prevalent in 2025
• According to WHO data, vitamin deficiencies affect nearly 2 billion people worldwide
• Many cases occur in developing countries, including parts of India
• Proper nutrition is the key to prevention

Overview of the Three Diseases

• Rickets: Caused by Vitamin D deficiency, affects bone development
• Beriberi: Results from lack of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), impacts nervous system and heart
• Scurvy: Caused by Vitamin C deficiency, affects connective tissue
• All three are completely preventable with proper nutrition

Rickets: Introduction

• Primarily affects children, causing bones to become soft and bend
• The name comes from an old English word meaning "to twist"
• Heartbreakingly preventable condition with proper nutrition
• Often leads to skeletal deformities if untreated

Causes of Rickets

• Mainly caused by Vitamin D deficiency, but also linked to low calcium or phosphate
• Our bodies can produce Vitamin D from sunlight, but many children lack sufficient exposure
• Risk factors include dark skin, pollution blocking UV rays, and poor diet
• In India, lifestyle changes contribute to increasing cases

Symptoms of Rickets

• Delayed growth and bone pain are common early signs
• Skeletal deformities like bowed legs or knock knees develop over time
• Thickened wrists and ankles may appear
• Protruding breastbone is another characteristic symptom
• Severe cases can lead to muscle weakness and delayed motor skills

Statistics & Prevalence of Rickets

• In developed countries, about 1 in 100,000 children are affected
• In developing nations, prevalence is significantly higher
• In India, 50-90% of children have some degree of Vitamin D deficiency
• Peak age for diagnosis is between 6 months to 2 years
• Urban areas show increasing cases due to indoor lifestyles

Diagnosis of Rickets

• Physical examination looks for bone deformities and growth patterns
• Blood tests measure Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate levels
• X-rays reveal bone weakness and structural abnormalities
• Alkaline phosphatase levels are often elevated in affected children
• Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment

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