Nutrition and Skin tutorial

Question 1

Define what is meant by food allergy

Answer 1

‘Food allergy’ describes when symptoms are caused by an immune reaction, usually IgE mediated, but sometimes non‐IgE (thought to be T‐cell mediated but not well understood).

Question 2

Define what is meant by food intolerance

Answer 2

‘Food intolerance’ describes a non‐immune reaction, e.g. lactose intolerance where there is lactase enzyme deficiency leading to poor breakdown of lactose in the gastro‐intestinal tract and the excess unabsorbed lactose results in symptoms

Question 3

What are the common micronutrient deficiencies ?

Answer 3

• Vit A
• Vit K
• Vit B3
• Vit B2
• Vit B6
• Vit B12
• Folate
• Biotin
• Vit C
• Zinc

Question 4

What are the two main types of protein energy malnutrition?

Answer 4

Marasmus: Global nutrient deficiency causing weight loss by fat breakdown. The child is very thin with muscle wasting. There is no oedema. The skin is dry, wrinkled and loose from subcutaneous fat and muscle loss. Hair is thin, brittle and falls outs easily causing alopecia.

Kwashiorkor: thought to be caused by very low protein intake with reasonable carbohydrate intake. There is oedema and children often develop an enlarged “pot belly”. Skin shows irregular or patchy discolouration caused by pigmentary change. Dark, dry skin may split when stretched, revealing pale areas between the cracks (crazy paving dermatosis).

Question 5

What GI condition dermatitis herpetiformis linked to?

Answer 5

Coeliacs disease

Question 6

What diet management is advised for patients with dermatitis herpetiformis ?

Answer 6

Gluten free diet

Question 7

What is the role of Vitamin A ?

Answer 7

Vital for epithelial proliferation, keratinisation and development

Question 8

What is the role of Vitamin K ?

Answer 8

Essential for several blood coagulation factors

Question 9

What is the role of both folate and vitamin B12 and iron?

Answer 9

Folate, vitamin B12, and iron have crucial roles in erythropoiesis (production of RBC’s)

Question 10

What is the role of Vitamin C?

Answer 10

Essential co‐factor in collagen formation e.g. hair, and for bone and teeth health.

Question 11

What are the signs/symptoms of vitamin A deficiency ?

Answer 11

Skin – keratotic follicular (i.e. in hair follicles) papules on the thighs and upper arms, dry skin

Question 12

What are the signs/symptoms of vitamin K deficiency?

Answer 12

Bleeding tendency, seen in skin as purpura and easy bruising

Question 13

What are the signs/symptoms of folate(B9) and vitamin B12 deficiency ?

Answer 13

Anaemia, angular stomatitis, glossitis, hair depigmentation, skin and mucous membrane pigmentation. Neurological symptoms with B12 deficiency

Question 14

What are the signs/symptoms of vitamin K deficiency ?

Answer 14

Hyperkeratosis around hair follicles, bent hairs, inflamed gums, poor wound healing Also fatigue, malaise, muscle and bone pain.