Which group of diseases are listed as those in which nutrition plays a role?

• A. Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Cancer
• B. Pellagra, Scurvy
• C. Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure
• D. Obesity, Anemia

Answer: (C)

Nutrition influences chronic disease risk by shaping key modifiable factors like obesity, insulin resistance, lipid levels, inflammation, and blood pressure. The trio of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure shows this connection clearly: patterns high in refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and sodium contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, while dietary approaches rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins help prevent or manage these conditions. This shared link to diet-driven risk factors makes them a cohesive group to study in nutrition-focused health practice.

Pellagra and scurvy are classic deficiency diseases caused by insufficient intake of specific nutrients (niacin and vitamin C). While nutrition obviously matters for them, they’re defined by particular nutrient shortfalls rather than the broader, diet-based risk factor patterns seen in the diabetes–cardiovascular–hypertension group. Osteoporosis, cancer, obesity, and anemia also involve nutrition, but the chosen trio best represents a connected set of chronic diseases with well-established diet–disease relationships and prevention strategies.