Which mineral is deficient in anaemia?

✅ Correct Answer: C — Iron

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional cause of anaemia worldwide. Iron is an essential component of haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Haemoglobin contains a heme group with an iron (Fe²⁺) ion at its center that binds to oxygen. When dietary iron is insufficient, the body cannot produce enough haemoglobin, resulting in fewer and smaller red blood cells. This leads to anaemia, characterized by fatigue, pale skin, weakness, and breathlessness. Iron-rich foods include spinach, lentils, red meat, liver, and fortified cereals.

❌ Why other options are wrong:

• A. Calcium — Deficiency of calcium causes rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults (weak, brittle bones). It is NOT responsible for anaemia.

• B. Iodine — Deficiency of iodine causes goitre (enlarged thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism. It has no direct role in causing anaemia.

• D. Zinc — Deficiency of zinc causes growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, impaired immune function, and taste/smell disturbances. It does not cause anaemia.

📝 Important Note: Mineral deficiency diseases — Iron = Anaemia; Calcium = Rickets/Osteoporosis; Iodine = Goitre; Zinc = Growth retardation. Vitamin B12 and Folate deficiency cause megaloblastic (pernicious) anaemia — not iron deficiency anaemia. Women and children are most at risk of iron deficiency. Very important for SSC CGL.