Question

A child presents with erythematous scaly patches in the perioral region, mucosal ulcers, and impaired epithelial wound healing. The most likely mineral deficiency associated with this condition is?

• A. Iron deficiency
• B. Zinc deficiency
• C. Calcium deficiency
• D. Copper deficiency

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

This condition exhibits symptoms strongly associated with a deficiency in the mineral Zinc. Zinc plays a vital role in numerous biological processes, including:

1. Promotion of epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation.
2. Enhancement of immune system functionality.
3. Facilitation of collagen synthesis, crucial for wound healing.

In the presented case, the child exhibits dermatological symptoms such as erythematous scaly patches and mucosal ulcers. These are indicators of Zinc deficiency, which is known to hinder epithelial wound healing and cause dermal lesions. This is because Zinc is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in:

• Protein synthesis.
• Nucleic acid metabolism.
• Protection against oxidative stress.

Other options like Iron, Calcium, and Copper, although important, do not align with the specific symptoms such as impaired epithelial healing and mucosal ulcers, which are more indicative of Zinc deficiency.

Therefore, in this biochemical context, the most likely mineral deficiency causing the child’s symptoms is identified as Zinc deficiency.