 Diseases caused by malnutrition Did you know you can develop diseases caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals? It's true! Here are four reasons you need your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. 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 or 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 synthesis and must obtain vitamin C through diet and or supplementation. Rickets The primary cause of rickets is vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight, especially ultraviolet light, lets human 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. Berry Berry Berry Berry is a disease in which the body does not have enough thion, vitamin B1. Berry Berry 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 also will raise your risk of berry berry. Peligra Peligra is a vitamin deficiency disease caused by a chronic lack of niacin, vitamin B3. Peligra is common in people who obtain most of their food energy from maize. Peligra frequently affects populations of refugees and other displaced people due to their unique long-term residential circumstances and dependence on food aid. Although most of these diseases are rare, they can occur through malnutrition even in this day and age. The Professional Supplement Center offers a wide variety of doctor-recommended vitamins and supplements, as well as a registered nurse on staff to answer any questions you may have as well as guide you towards products to optimize your health.