Read the text and choose the appropriate answer.
Vitamins are complex compounds that the body requires to function normally. The word vitamin was coined in the 20th century, but the therapeutic value of certain foods in combating disease was recognized as early as 3000 years ago by the ancient Egyptians. They knew that night blindness could be treated by eating liver, a source of vitamin A. The food we eat must contain all vitamins as the lack of these or those can cause different diseases. You should keep it in mind!
Which of the following can best replace the word «lack»?