| NUTRIENT | RESPONSIBLE FOR | LACK OF IT CAUSES |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Growth & repair of the body; helps transport nutrients throughout the body; helps body fight infection; regulates fluid in the body; is a source of protein; and all enzymes are proteins (enzymes perform many body functions). | A disease called Kwashiorkor - severe growth retardation, loss of hair color, wounds do not heal, anemia, weakness, increased risk of infection, and can result in death. |
| A disease called Marasmus - same as Kwashiorkor systems & muscle wasting, weakened heart, and impaired brain development | ||
| Fats | Source of energy & energy stores; forms the major component of cell walls; nourishes skin & hair; insulates the body from heat & cold; and cushions the main organs of the body. | Weakness, rough skin, brittle hair, and intolerance to heat & cold. |
| Carbohydrates | Provide the body with energy to perform all it's functions. The brain & nervous system prefer carbohydrates for energy over protein and fats. | Weakness, fatigue, confusion, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). |
| Fiber | Replaces calories from fat; gives a feeling of fullness; decreases the risk of colon cancer; may decrease cholesterol levels; and may improve blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of glucose (sugar). | Can lead to appendicitis, arteriosclerosis (a type of heart disease), colon cancer, constipation, and diabetes (high blood sugar). |
| Vitamin A | Helps in vision; growth & repair of the body; improves immunity; and helps decrease the risk of cancer. | Night blindness, rough skin, increased risk of infection, impaired bone & body growth, abnormal tooth & jaw alignment, eye problems that can lead to blindness. |
| Vitamin C | Helps in wound healing; maintains bone & teeth; strengthens blood vessels; improves immunity; and helps the body absorb iron. | A disease called Scurvy - bleeding gums, tooth loss, and even death. Anemia, arteriosclerosis (clogged blood vessels) depression, increased infections, muscle degeneration, rough skin, weakened bones, and poor wound healing. |
| Vitamin D | Bone & tooth formation; helps body absorb & use calcium & phosphorous that aids in bone formation. | A disease called Rickets - Soft bones, abnormal growth, joint pain, and badly formed teeth. |
| Thiamin | Helps in the release of energy from food; supports a normal appetite; supports nervous system functions. | A disease called Beriberi - extreme loss of muscle tissue, swelling all over the body, enlargement of heart, irregular heart rate, & paralysis. Also can cause mental confusion, weakness, & impaired growth. |
| Riboflavin | Helps in the release of energy from food; promotes healthy skin and normal vision. | Vision problems, skin disorders around the nose and mouth. |
| Vitamin B6 | Helps in the release of energy from food; promotes healthy skin, nerves, and the digestive system. | Nervous disorders, skin rashes, muscle weakness, anemia, seizures, and kidney stones. |
| Vitamin B12 | Needed for protein & fat metabolism; helps in the formation of antibodies to fight infection and the formation of red blood cells. | Anemia, smooth tongue, fatigue, and nerve degeneration that can lead to paralysis. |
| Niacin | Maintains nerve cells; helps in red blood cell production; and helps in the production of genetic material. | A disease called Pellagra- skin rash on the body where exposed to the sun, loss of appetite, dizziness, weakness, irritability, fatigue, confusion, and indigestion. |
| Folate | Helps in red blood cell formation, protein metabolism, and new cell division. Helps in the formation of the nervous system of developing fetuses. | Anemia, heartburn, diarrhea, smooth tongue, depression, and poor growth. |
| Biotin | Helps in energy metabolism, fat production, and storage of a form of sugar (glycogen) that is stored in the liver. | Loss of appetite, nausea, depression, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and skin rash. |
| Iron | Helps in the formation of hemoglobin (enables red blood cells to carry oxygen) and helps the body use energy from food. | Anemia, weakness, headaches, increased risk of infections, and inability to concentrate. |
| Calcium | Strengthens bones & teeth; helps muscles work; and helps blood clot, nerves to function, and in blood pressure function. | Stunted growth, tooth decay, and bone loss in adults. |
| Phosphorus | Part of every cell in the body and helps maintain acid balance of the body. | Unknown |
| Magnesium | Helps in bone formation, protein use by the body, enzyme action, muscle activity, and in nerve function. | Weakness, confusion, decreased function of the pancreas, growth failure, and muscle spasms. |
| Zinc | Part of many enzymes, present in the hormone insulin; helps in the production of proteins, boosts immunity; helps transport Vitamin A in the body; helps in would healing, taste, and normal fetal development. | Growth failure, delayed development, loss of taste, and poor wound healing. |
| Iodine | Helps in thyroid function and regulation of metabolism. | A disease called Cretinism - severe physical and mental retardation, Goiter development. |
| Copper | Helps with iron absorption, and is part of several enzymes. | Anemia and bone changes. |
