# A balanced diet must include a variety of nutrients. Describe the roles of iron and vitamin D in the body, and explain what happens if each of these nutrients is absent from the diet.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 7.1 Diet · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Iron is needed for the production of haemoglobin (in red blood cells).
2. A lack of iron leads to anaemia, causing tiredness (because insufficient oxygen is transported / insufficient energy is produced).
3. Vitamin D helps the uptake / absorption of calcium during digestion and is needed to maintain healthy bones (and teeth).
4. A lack of vitamin D causes rickets, leading to weak / soft bones or bone deformities (or stunted growth in children).

## Key terms

- [iron](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/iron)
- [vitamin D](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/vitamin-d)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-balanced-diet-must-include-a-d49a6407) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.