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7. Vitamin A deficiency is a condition characterized by low blood levels or depleted tissue stores of vitamin A. This condition, when severe and prolonged, leads to serious clinical eye lesions i.e. xerophthalmia, keratomalacia and ultimately irreversible blindness. However, the advanced clinical signs of xerophthalmia are seldom seen in a person who is otherwise in an acceptable nutritional state. Sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency also leads to increased susceptibility to disease.
8. Anaemia is the abnormal reduction of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood due to a deficiency of iron, folate, vitamin B12 or other nutrients needed for blood formation. When the intake or absorption of iron is decreased the body stores of iron are depleted and the level of haemoglobin drops below normal giving rise
normal giving rise to iron deficiency anaemia. Even mild anaemia impairs work capacity, lowers learning capability and the immune response.
9. Iodine deficiency is the main cause of endemic goitre characterized by the enlargement and histological changes of the thyroid gland. Cretinism and deaf-mutism occur among infants and young children born to iodine-deficient mothers. Severe restriction in dietary energy also impairs thyroid function.