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A deficiency disease arises when the body does not receive enough of specific essential nutrients required for optimal functioning. This is primarily due to a diet that is lacking in certain vitamins or minerals. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and cell repair.

For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, while insufficient levels of vitamin D can result in osteoporosis. Similarly, minerals such as iron and calcium are vital for the production of red blood cells and bone health, respectively. When these vitamins and minerals are missing from an individual's diet, it can lead to specific deficiency diseases associated with those nutrients.

In contrast, while excess calories can lead to obesity and related health issues, they do not specifically cause deficiency diseases. Protein sources, although essential for health, primarily contribute to growth and repair of tissues rather than deficiencies. Dietary fiber, while important for digestive health, does not typically lead to deficiency diseases in the way vitamins and minerals do. This context underscores why a diet low in specific vitamins or minerals is recognized as the primary cause of deficiency diseases.