Question

A child presents with thinning of hair and scaling of the scalp. On taking further history, it is found that she consumes raw eggs in her diet regularly. The given manifestations are due to the deficiency of which of the following vitamins?

• A. Niacin
• B. Pyridoxine
• C. Biotin
• D. Thiamine

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The child's symptoms of thinning hair and scalp scaling, along with a history of consuming raw eggs, are indicative of biotin deficiency. Biotin is a B-vitamin essential for various metabolic processes, including the health of skin and hair.

Raw eggs contain avidin, a protein that can bind strongly to biotin, rendering it unavailable for absorption in the body. Regular consumption of raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency over time, manifesting as the symptoms observed in the child.

Options provided include:

• Niacin
• Pyridoxine
• Biotin
• Thiamine

The correct answer is Biotin, as its deficiency aligns with the symptoms caused by the consumption of raw eggs.