Question

A farmer is having ℅ skin rash which increase on sun exposure. There is also redness of tongue. Maize in his staple diet. Which of the following vitamin deficiency can cause this type of feature

• A. Niacin deficiency
• B. Folic acid deficiency
• C. Vit C deficiency
• D. Vit K deficiency

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The symptoms described are indicative of a condition called pellagra, which is caused by a deficiency in niacin, also known as Vitamin B3. Pellagra is characterized by the three "D's": Dermatitis, Diarrhea, and Dementia. The dermatological aspect, described as a skin rash that worsens with sun exposure, aligns with the photo-sensitive dermatitis typical of pellagra. Additionally, redness of the tongue, or glossitis, is another symptom associated with this deficiency.

The farmer’s diet heavily reliant on maize could contribute to this condition. Maize lacks adequate levels of niacin and tryptophan, an amino acid which can be converted into niacin in the body. Consequently, a diet primarily consisting of maize without niacin fortification or supplementation can lead to niacin deficiency.

Steps to arrive at the solution:

• Identify the key symptoms: photosensitive rash and redness of the tongue.
• Link these symptoms to known vitamin deficiencies that cause similar signs: Pellagra due to niacin deficiency.
• Assess the diet mentioned: Heavy maize consumption correlates with low niacin intake.

Therefore, the vitamin deficiency responsible for the described symptoms is Niacin deficiency.