Consider the following statements regarding the nutrient composition of food: 1. A diet deficient in proteins for a long time causes skin diseases. 2. A diet deficient in both carbohydrates and proteins causes obesity. 3. Deficiency diseases can be prevented by taking a balanced diet. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Nutritional deficiency diseases occur when the body is deprived of essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals over an extended period. These conditions disrupt normal physiological functions and growth. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Prolonged protein deficiency leads to a condition known as Kwashiorkor. Symptoms include stunted growth, swelling of the face and limbs (edema), discoloration of hair, and skin diseases. The skin often becomes dry, scaly, and pigmented. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: A diet deficient in both carbohydrates and proteins leads to Marasmus. In this condition, the body wastes away, and the individual becomes extremely thin and weak due to a lack of energy and structural building blocks. Conversely, obesity is caused by the excessive intake of nutrients, particularly carbohydrates and fats, rather than a deficiency. - Statement 3 is Correct: Deficiency diseases are non-communicable and can be effectively prevented by consuming a balanced diet. A balanced diet provides all necessary nutrients-carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals-in the correct proportions required for maintaining health. Key Takeaway: Protein deficiency causes Kwashiorkor (associated with skin issues and edema), while a combined deficiency of proteins and carbohydrates causes Marasmus (severe wasting). Obesity results from overnutrition, not deficiency.

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 2: Components of food

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the nutrient composition of food:

A diet deficient in proteins for a long time causes skin diseases.
A diet deficient in both carbohydrates and proteins causes obesity.
Deficiency diseases can be prevented by taking a balanced diet.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Nutritional deficiency diseases occur when the body is deprived of essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals over an extended period. These conditions disrupt normal physiological functions and growth.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Prolonged protein deficiency leads to a condition known as Kwashiorkor. Symptoms include stunted growth, swelling of the face and limbs (edema), discoloration of hair, and skin diseases. The skin often becomes dry, scaly, and pigmented.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: A diet deficient in both carbohydrates and proteins leads to Marasmus. In this condition, the body wastes away, and the individual becomes extremely thin and weak due to a lack of energy and structural building blocks. Conversely, obesity is caused by the excessive intake of nutrients, particularly carbohydrates and fats, rather than a deficiency.
Statement 3 is Correct: Deficiency diseases are non-communicable and can be effectively prevented by consuming a balanced diet. A balanced diet provides all necessary nutrients-carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals-in the correct proportions required for maintaining health.

Key Takeaway: Protein deficiency causes Kwashiorkor (associated with skin issues and edema), while a combined deficiency of proteins and carbohydrates causes Marasmus (severe wasting). Obesity results from overnutrition, not deficiency.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Components of food

Consider the following statements regarding the testing of nutrients in food items: 1. A blue-black colour produced after adding dilute iodine solution indicates the presence of starch. 2. A violet colour produced after adding copper sulphate and caustic soda indicates the presence of fats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the preparation of solutions for nutrient testing: 1. A dilute solution of iodine is prepared by dissolving copper sulphate in water. 2. Copper sulphate solution is prepared by dissolving copper sulphate in water. 3. Caustic soda solution is prepared by dissolving caustic soda in water. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

With reference to the test for fats in food items, consider the following statements: 1. An oily patch on paper generally indicates the presence of fat in the food item. 2. If a food item contains water, it will never leave a wet patch on the paper. 3. The paper should be heated strongly to check for the presence of starch. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements about dietary fibres: 1. Dietary fibres are also known as roughage. 2. They are mainly provided by animal products like milk and eggs. 3. They do not provide any nutrient to our body. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

With reference to the role of water in the body, consider the following statements: 1. Water prevents the body from absorbing nutrients from food. 2. It helps in throwing out some wastes from the body as urine and sweat. 3. The body gets water from liquids drunk as well as from cooked food items. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 2: Components of food

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 Science chapters

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Prolonged protein deficiency leads to a condition known as Kwashiorkor. Symptoms include stunted growth, swelling of the face and limbs (edema), discoloration of hair, and skin diseases. The skin often becomes dry, scaly, and pigmented.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: A diet deficient in both carbohydrates and proteins leads to Marasmus. In this condition, the body wastes away, and the individual becomes extremely thin and weak due to a lack of energy and structural building blocks. Conversely, obesity is caused by the excessive intake of nutrients, particularly carbohydrates and fats, rather than a deficiency.
Statement 3 is Correct: Deficiency diseases are non-communicable and can be effectively prevented by consuming a balanced diet. A balanced diet provides all necessary nutrients-carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals-in the correct proportions required for maintaining health.