Question

Question 30

A college student running low on money switches to eating only cheap instant noodles for a month. He develops sensitive gums that bleed easily, dry skin and dandruff. He is chronically tired and it seems to him that he gets every virus that passes through the dorm.  

a) Based on the knowledge you have acquired in this unit, which of the following is the likeliest reason for his symptoms?

b) If he could add only a single extra food item to his diet what would you suggest and why (NOTE: no this cannot be a supplement - it must be a food)?

c) Is his current diet sustainable long-term - explain your answer.

Answer 1

Bleeding gums,dry skin, dandruff indicate the person is associated with vitamin C deficiency. This leading to SCURVY.

Patient with scurvy has chronic blood loss leading to anemia, decreased immune response

b) vitamin c is rich in spinach so I suggest to eat much spinach in his diet.

c) Current diet is not sustainable for long time as vitamin c is required for collagen synthesis and strengthen the collagen. Deficiency leading to weakening of blood vessels lamina, decreased immune response, chronic blood loss, muscle cramps which cannot be tolerated and should be treated immediately.