Vitamins, minerals, scurvy and ricketsSpec 7.1.3
In short
A deficiency disease is caused by not getting enough of a particular nutrient over a long period. Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C and causes bleeding gums and slow healing of wounds. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium, so bones do not harden properly and may bend.
A deficiency disease is caused by not getting enough of a particular nutrient over a long period. Two you need to know are scurvy and rickets.
| Disease | Cause | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Scurvy | Lack of vitamin C in the diet | Bleeding gums, slow healing of wounds and sore, damaged skin |
| Rickets | Lack of vitamin D (or calcium) in the diet | Bones do not harden properly, so they are soft and may bend, especially in children |
Vitamin C is found in fresh fruit and vegetables, so a diet with none of these for a long time can lead to scurvy. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food. Without enough vitamin D, or without enough calcium, the bones and teeth cannot become hard.
- Scurvy: eat citrus fruits and fresh vegetables.
- Rickets: eat oily fish, eggs and dairy foods, and get some sunlight on the skin.
Do not swap the pairs. Scurvy goes with vitamin C and rickets goes with vitamin D (or calcium). Each is prevented only by eating more of the missing nutrient.
Quick check
What is a balanced diet?
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A diet containing all the nutrients in the correct proportions, giving the right amount of energy for the person.
Which nutrient is needed for growth and repair?
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Protein.
What causes scurvy?
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A lack of vitamin C.
What causes rickets?
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A lack of vitamin D (or calcium).
Why does the body need iron?
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To make haemoglobin in red blood cells.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) specification · Updated October 2026