A case of an otherwise healthy 2-year-old Caucasian girl who presented with refu

Question

A case of an otherwise healthy 2-year-old Caucasian girl who presented with refusal to walk secondary to pain in her lower extremities, generalized irritability, sleep disturbance, and malaise. The girl's parents described feeding the patient an organic diet recommended by the Church of Scientology that included a boiled mixture of organic whole milk, barley, and corn syrup devoid of fruits and vegetables. Physical examination revealed pale, bloated skin with edematous, violaceous gums and loosening of a few of her teeth. Dermatologic findings included xerosis, multiple scattered petechiae of the extremities, and perifollicular hemorrhage. What major vitamin deficiency might you expect to see in this girl, and why? Vitamin:______ Why?

Explanation / Answer

Ans.) Vitamin C

The girl is suffering from scurvy that is caused due to dietary deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, decreases the free radicals and enhances in iron absorption. The symptoms given here are clearly indicating that patient s suffering from of scurvy.

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