A 50 year old male with a long history of heavy drinking has been referred to yo

Question

A 50 year old male with a long history of heavy drinking has been referred to your nutrition

clinic. Four months ago another physician told him he had an ulcer. He still has abdominal pain,

but now he also complains of a painful tongue, sore mouth, and trouble walking. He attributes

some of his weakness to all the diarrhea he is having. The patient's wife is impressed that her

cousin had the same symptoms when he was receiving chemotherapy for his lymphoma. Discuss

this case with reference to Folate absorption and malabsorption, Action in cancer, and Action

in antibacterial drugs.

Explanation / Answer

Alcohol consumption causes folate deficiency and malabsorption. Folate deficiency leads to swollen painful tongue, mouth sores, trouble walking, anemia, etc. Because folate is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells and nerve health; deficiency of folate causes the problem with movement and anemia. The same symptoms appear with the people receiving chemotherapy.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.