Lack of iron causes which nutritional disease to form?

The correct answer is anemia, which is specifically associated with a deficiency of iron in the diet. Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When there is insufficient iron, the body cannot produce an adequate amount of hemoglobin, leading to a decrease in oxygen transport. This condition can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and paleness, among others.

The other options are linked to different nutritional deficiencies. Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C, leading to issues with collagen production and resulting in symptoms like bleeding gums and fatigue. Rickets, on the other hand, is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, resulting in weakened bones and skeletal deformities. Beriberi is associated with a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine), which affects the nervous system and cardiovascular health. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing the specific nutritional disease linked to each vitamin or mineral deficiency.