Gastro & Nutrition

Question 1

Signs/symptoms of vitamin A deficiency

Answer 1

Night blindness

Question 2

Signs/symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency

Answer 2

Vitamin B1 = thiamine

Beriberi (cardiomegaly, tachycardia, oedema)

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Question 3

Signs/symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency

Answer 3

Vitamin B2 = riboflavin

Sore throat, angular stomatitis, glossitis, anaemia

Question 4

Signs/symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency

Answer 4

Vitamin B3 = niacin (found in fortified bread, flour and cereals)

Pellagra: dermatitis, glossitis, vaginitis, oesophagitis, diarrhoea and dementia

Question 5

Signs/symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

Answer 5

Megaloblastic anaemia with lethargy and pallor, stomatitis, glossitis. If severe, depression, confusion, numbness and visual changes

Note B12 is not found in fruit/veg so vegans are at increased risk

Question 6

Signs/symptoms of vitamin C deficiency

Answer 6

Vitamin C = ascorbic acid

Scurvy: petechial and perifollicular haemorrhaging, impaired wound healing, abnormal bone/dental formation

Question 7

Signs/symptoms of zinc deficiency

Answer 7

Weight loss, dermatitis, alopecia and diarrhoea

Note: acrodermatitis enteropathica is AR inherited condition with intestinal zinc malabsorption. Rash has well demarcated borders.

Question 8

What is ARFID?

Answer 8

Avoidant and Restrictive Feeding Intake Disorder

An eating/feeding disturbance not explained by a medical condition, lack of available food, or concerns about body image. There may be a lack of interest in eating, or avoidance of food due to the sensory characteristics. Often linked to anxiety.