Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
with stroke, were the top three causes of death in the United States in 2004.
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Diets high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium may promote the development of
these diseases. Recommendations include greater consumption of chicken and
turkey (with skin removed), fish, pasta, whole-grain products, vegetables, fruits,
and vegetable oils (not palm or coconut oils), and reduced consumption of meat,
dairy products, and eggs.
Scurvy
Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Vitamin
C is found in citrus fruit, fresh strawberries, tomatoes, raw peppers, broccoli, kale,
potatoes, and raw cabbage. Common symptoms of scurvy include weakness,
anemia, spongy and swollen gums that bleed easily, and tender joints. Vitamin
C also strengthens body cells and blood vessels and aids in absorption of iron
and in healing wounds and broken bones.
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Pellagra
Pellagra is caused by a prolonged deficiency of niacin (nicotinic acid)
or tryptophan (amino acid). Niacin is found in eggs, lean meats, liver, whole-grain
cereals, milk, leafy green vegetables, fruits, and dried yeast. Recurring redness of
the tongue or ulcerations in the mouth are primary symptoms, sometimes followed
by digestive disturbances, headache, and psychiatric depressive disorders.
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Rickets
Rickets is most common in children less than two years old and is
caused by the absence of vitamin D, which is associated with proper utilization
of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is found in liver, fortified milk, butter,
eggs, and fish of high-body-oil content such as sardines, salmon, and tuna. An
inadequate supply of vitamin D in the diet will probably show in knock-knees or
bowed legs, crooked arms, soft teeth, potbelly, and faulty bone growth. Sunshine
is a good source of Vitamin D, as are vitamin D-fortified foods. Vitamin D helps
build strong bones and teeth.
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Beriberi
A prolonged deficiency of thiamin or vitamin B
1
, found in
whole-grain cereals, dried beans, peas, peanuts, pork, fish, poultry, and liver,
may cause changes in the nervous system, muscle weakness, loss of appetite,
and interference with digestion. Change from unpolished to polished rice in the
diet can cause the disease in some countries where the diet is not varied.
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Ariboflavinosis
This disease is due to a deficiency of riboflavin, known also
as vitamin B
2
or G. Riboflavin is found in liver, milk, eggs, dried yeast, enriched
white flour, and leafy green vegetables. An inadequate amount of this vitamin
may cause greasy scales on the ear, forehead, and other parts of the body, drying
of the skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth, anemia, and sometimes partial
blindness. Riboflavin is essential for many enzyme systems.
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Vitamin A Deficiency
A deficiency of Vitamin A causes night blindness, skin
and mucous membrane changes, and dryness of the skin and eyes. It is believed
to increase susceptibility to colds. In severe deficiencies, Vitamin A deficiency
