Al Nahda National School for Boys
Academic Year 2024-2025
Biology Department
Term (2)
6.5 Diet, Growth, and Development
Student name Class Date
Exploration Sheet: Healthy Diet, Food Deficiency, and Essential Nutrients
Task #1 Read the following paragraph or watch the video by scanning the
QR code.
A healthy diet plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being and preventing deficiency
diseases. The human body requires essential organic components such as vitamins,
minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates to function properly. When these nutrients are not
consumed in adequate amounts, the body fails to perform necessary functions like cell
growth, division, and stability. This lack of essential nutrients leads to a condition known as
deficiency.
Deficiency diseases arise when the body lacks one or more essential nutrients. These
diseases affect growth, development, and overall health. If left untreated, they may lead to
severe medical conditions such as vision loss, heart disease, and organ failure. Therefore,
consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for maintaining good
health.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=6gZzPE4Ln3s&t=148s
Essential Vitamins and Their Importance:
Vitamins play a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions:
- Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. A
deficiency in vitamin A may cause night blindness and weakened immunity.
- Vitamin B Complex, which includes multiple B vitamins such as B1 (Thiamine), B2
(Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6, and B12, supports metabolism, red blood cell production,
and brain function. A lack of these vitamins can result in fatigue, anemia, and nerve
damage.
- Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, wound healing, and immune function.
Deficiency can lead to scurvy, bleeding gums, and a weakened immune system.
- Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, promoting strong bones. A deficiency may
cause rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
- Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. A lack of vitamin E may
result in nerve and muscle damage.
- Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Without sufficient vitamin K,
excessive bleeding and weak bones may occur.
Al Nahda National School for Boys
Academic Year 2024-2025
Biology Department
Term (2)
Important Minerals and Their Role https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=6gZzPE4Ln3s&t=148s
Minerals also contribute significantly to health:
-Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth. A deficiency in calcium can
cause osteoporosis and brittle bones.
- Iron is required for red blood cell production. A lack of iron may lead to
anemia, fatigue, and dizziness.
- Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function. Deficiency in magnesium can result in
muscle cramps and irregular heartbeat.
Maintaining a diet rich in these essential nutrients can prevent deficiency diseases and
promote a healthy lifestyle. A well-balanced diet includes a variety of foods such as fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean proteins to ensure the body gets all necessary
nutrients.
#Task 2: Answer the following questions.
1- What is a deficiency disease?
2- Why is vitamin A important, and what happens if you lack it?
3- How does vitamin C help the body?
4- What are the effects of iron deficiency?
5- Name two minerals important for bone health and their function.
Al Nahda National School for Boys
Academic Year 2024-2025
Biology Department
Term (2)
Multiple Choice Questions:
1- Which vitamin is necessary for blood clotting?
a) Vitamin A
b) Vitamin K
c) Vitamin C
d) Vitamin E
2- A deficiency of which mineral causes anemia?
a) Calcium
b) Iron
c) Magnesium
d) Phosphorus
3- Which vitamin deficiency leads to rickets in children?
a) Vitamin D
b) Vitamin B12
c) Vitamin K
d) Vitamin E
4- What happens when the body does not receive essential nutrients?
a) It becomes stronger
b) It gets more vitamins
c) It produces more energy
d) It develops deficiency diseases
UAE-Related Questions:
1. Dates are a traditional food in the UAE. Which essential nutrients do dates provide?
2. How does the sunny climate of the UAE help prevent vitamin D deficiency?
