Step 1: Understanding iron deficiency.
Iron is an essential mineral required by the body for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.
Step 2: Analysis of each option.
(A) Beriberi: Incorrect. Beriberi is caused by deficiency of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). It affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
(B) Marasmus: Incorrect. Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition caused by deficiency of calories and proteins, not specifically iron.
(C) Anaemia: Correct. Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
(D) Tuberculosis: Incorrect. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not by nutritional deficiency.
Step 3: Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia.
Common symptoms include:
Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Cold hands and feet
Brittle nails
Final Answer: (C) Anaemia.