Question:easy
A farmer is having skin rash which increases on sun exposure. There is also redness of tongue. Maize is his staple diet. Which of the following vitamin deficiency can cause this type of feature?
A farmer is having skin rash which increases on sun exposure. There is also redness of tongue. Maize is his staple diet. Which of the following vitamin deficiency can cause this type of feature?
Show Hint
Think about the classic vitamin deficiency associated with a corn/maize-based diet and photosensitive skin rash.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Niacin deficiency
- Folic acid deficiency
- Vit C deficiency
- Vit K deficiency
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Diagnosis: Pellagra
The classic presentation -- photosensitive skin rash, glossitis, and history of maize (corn) as staple diet -- points directly to Pellagra, caused by Niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency.
Why maize? Corn is a poor source of both niacin and tryptophan (the amino acid precursor of niacin). Populations relying heavily on maize are therefore predisposed to pellagra.
The 4 Ds of Pellagra:
Comparing other options:
- Folic acid deficiency: megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects -- no photosensitive rash
- Vitamin C deficiency: scurvy (bleeding gums, perifollicular hemorrhages)
- Vitamin K deficiency: coagulation defects
\[\boxed{\text{Niacin deficiency}}\]
The classic presentation -- photosensitive skin rash, glossitis, and history of maize (corn) as staple diet -- points directly to Pellagra, caused by Niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency.
Why maize? Corn is a poor source of both niacin and tryptophan (the amino acid precursor of niacin). Populations relying heavily on maize are therefore predisposed to pellagra.
The 4 Ds of Pellagra:
- Dermatitis: Photosensitive, symmetric rash on sun-exposed skin
- Diarrhea: Watery, sometimes bloody stools
- Dementia: Neuropsychiatric manifestations
- Death: If untreated
Comparing other options:
- Folic acid deficiency: megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects -- no photosensitive rash
- Vitamin C deficiency: scurvy (bleeding gums, perifollicular hemorrhages)
- Vitamin K deficiency: coagulation defects
\[\boxed{\text{Niacin deficiency}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0
