Consider the following pairs: Vitamin — Deficiency diseaseVitamin C : ScurvyVitamin D : RicketsVitam

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2014 UPSC Prelims Science & Technology paper.

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To prepare for UPSC Prelims Science & Technology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2014 question covers Health & Pharmaceuticals – Vaccines, Drugs & Disease Control topic.

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Question

Consider the following pairs: Vitamin — Deficiency diseaseVitamin C : ScurvyVitamin D : RicketsVitamin E : Night blindnessWhich of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: A — 1 and 2 onlyStep-by-step Solution:Pair 1 — Vitamin C: Scurvy: This is correctly matched. Scurvy is caused by deficiency of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid). Symptoms: bleeding gums, easy bruising, weakness, joint pain, poor wound healing. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis — without it, connective tissues weaken. Historically, scurvy affected sailors on long voyages without fresh fruits/vegetables. Source of Vitamin C: citrus fruits (lemon, orange), amla (Indian gooseberry — highest natural source), guava, peppers. ✓Pair 2 — Vitamin D: Rickets: This is correctly matched. Rickets (in children) and Osteomalacia (in adults) are caused by deficiency of Vitamin D (Calciferol). Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption — its deficiency leads to weak, soft bones. In children, this causes bowed legs, delayed growth, skeletal deformities. Vitamin D is called the 'sunshine vitamin' because the skin synthesises it on exposure to ultraviolet light. Sources: sunlight, fatty fish, egg yolk, fortified foods. ✓Pair 3 — Vitamin E: Night blindness: This is incorrectly matched. Night blindness (Nyctalopia) is caused by deficiency of Vitamin A (Retinol) — NOT Vitamin E. Vitamin A is essential for the synthesis of rhodopsin (a light-sensitive pigment in the rod cells of the retina responsible for vision in dim light). Severe Vitamin A deficiency causes Xerophthalmia and eventually total blindness. Vitamin E (Tocopherol) deficiency is rare in humans but can cause neurological problems, muscle weakness, and impaired immune function. ✗Key Concept: Vitamin deficiency diseases: Vitamin A — Night blindness, Xerophthalmia; Vitamin B₁ (Thiamine) — Beriberi; Vitamin B₂ (Riboflavin) — Cheilosis (cracking at mouth corners); Vitamin B₃ (Niacin) — Pellagra (4 Ds: Dermatitis, Diarrhoea, Dementia, Death); Vitamin B₁₂ (Cobalamin) — Pernicious anaemia; Vitamin C — Scurvy; Vitamin D — Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults); Vitamin K — Excessive bleeding (impaired blood clotting). Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, K. Water-soluble vitamins: B complex, C.

Consider the following pairs: Vitamin — Deficiency diseaseVitamin C : ScurvyVitamin D : RicketsVitamin E : Night blindnessWhich of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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Consider the following pairs: Vitamin — Deficiency diseaseVitamin C : ScurvyVitamin D : RicketsVitamin E : Night blindnessWhich of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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More Questions from Health & Pharmaceuticals – Vaccines, Drugs & Disease Control

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