Common diseases caused by malnutrition – SCURVY, RICKETS, BERIBERI & PELLAGRA Scurvy – Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C. At one time, Scurvy was common among sailors and pirates at sea longer than perishable fruits and vegetables could be stored. Scurvy does not occur in most animals because they can synthesize their own vitamin C. Humans, however, lack an enzyme which is necessary for such synthesis and must obtain vitamin C through diet and/or supplementation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scurvy Rickets – The primary cause of rickets is vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight, especially ultraviolet light, lets human skin cells convert vitamin D from an inactive to an active state. The use of strong sunblock, too much “covering up” in sunlight, or not getting out into the sun can cause Rickets. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickets Beriberi – Beriberi is a disease in which the body does not have enough thiamine (vitamin B1). Beriberi occurs mostly in patients who abuse alcohol. Excess alcohol makes it harder for the body to absorb and store thiamine. Taking high doses of diuretics can also raise your risk of beriberi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiamine_deficiency Pellagra – Pellagra is a vitamin deficiency disease caused by a chronic lack of niacin (vitamin B3 Pellagra is common in people who obtain most of their food energy from maize. Pellagra frequently affects populations of refugees and other displaced people due to their unique, long-term residential circumstances and dependence on food aid. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pellagra Although most of these diseases are rare, they can occur through malnutrition, even in this day and age! See other types of malnutrition here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_types_of_malnutrition The Professional Supplement Center offers a wide range of doctor recommended vitamins and supplements, as well as a registered nurse on staff to answer any questions. #malnutrition