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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions focus on the consequences of inadequate intake of specific vitamins and minerals, and how deficiency diseases can be prevented.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State the role of calcium in the body and name a food source rich in calcium.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth.
    2. Also needed for blood clotting and muscle contraction.
    3. Sources: milk, cheese, dairy products, green leafy vegetables.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain how vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in children.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium from the gut.
    2. Without vitamin D, calcium is not absorbed properly.
    3. Bones do not harden / mineralise correctly: they become soft and may bend under body weight.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    A sailor on a long voyage develops bleeding gums, slow wound healing, and fatigue. Name the deficiency disease and explain its cause.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Scurvy: caused by vitamin C deficiency.
    2. Vitamin C is needed for collagen synthesis / maintenance of connective tissues.
    3. Without fresh fruit and vegetables on long voyages, vitamin C intake drops.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Name two good sources of vitamin C.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes).
    2. Fresh vegetables (peppers, broccoli, tomatoes).

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain why a person with iron-deficiency anaemia feels tired and short of breath, especially during exercise.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin in red blood cells.
    2. Less haemoglobin means less oxygen is carried in the blood.
    3. Cells receive less oxygen for aerobic respiration: less energy is released.
    4. During exercise, oxygen demand increases but supply is insufficient: causing breathlessness and fatigue.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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