Which of the following vitamins is mismatched with the disease that results from its underconsumption?
a. Vitamin B₆—Beriberi
b. Vitamin C—Scurvy
c. Vitamin A—Vision loss
d. Vitamin D—Rickets

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of each vitamin listed in the options. Vitamins are essential nutrients that play specific roles in maintaining health, and deficiencies can lead to particular diseases.
2. Step 2: Review the diseases associated with each vitamin. For example, vitamin B6 is involved in protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, while beriberi is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamine). This mismatch should be noted.
3. Step 3: Confirm the correct associations for the other vitamins: Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy, characterized by symptoms like bleeding gums and poor wound healing. Vitamin A deficiency can cause vision problems, including night blindness. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, a condition affecting bone development.
4. Step 4: Compare the options provided in the question to the known associations of vitamins and their deficiency-related diseases. Identify the mismatched pair based on the information reviewed.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the mismatched pair is vitamin B6—beriberi, as beriberi is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1, not B6.

Key Concepts

Vitamin Functions

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various metabolic processes in the body. Each vitamin has specific functions, such as supporting immune function, aiding in energy production, and maintaining healthy skin and vision. Understanding the role of each vitamin helps in identifying the diseases associated with their deficiency.

Deficiency Diseases

Deficiency diseases occur when the body does not receive enough of a specific vitamin, leading to health issues. For example, scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C, while rickets results from insufficient vitamin D. Recognizing the correct associations between vitamins and their deficiency diseases is crucial for understanding nutrition and health.

Mismatched Associations

Mismatched associations refer to incorrect pairings of vitamins with their related deficiency diseases. In the context of the question, identifying which vitamin does not correspond to its associated disease is key. This requires knowledge of both the vitamins and the diseases they prevent, highlighting the importance of accurate information in nutritional science.