An 8-year-old kid in Malaysia has permanently lost his vision as a result of a destitute diet, exposing the hazards of severe vitamin deficiencies in youngsters.
According to iHeart, the toddler has only eaten chicken nuggets, sausages, and cookies from birth. His issue finally became apparent when he questioned a teacher, “Why can’t I see anything?” The concerned school personnel took him to the hospital.
Doctors diagnosed the youngster with acute vitamin A deficiency, which, while uncommon in wealthy nations, is nonetheless one of the primary causes of juvenile blindness globally. In this example, the deficit caused optic atrophy, which is irreversible damage to the optic nerve resulting in permanent eyesight loss.
Dr. Erna Nadia, a well-known Malaysian physician with a sizable social media following, publicized the story on Facebook to raise awareness. “As a mother, I realize that it may be difficult to cook healthful meals when you are busy. Pity the parents of this student; it’s difficult for them to accept,” she added.
Warning Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency
The Daily Mail reports that Dr. Nadia urged other parents to watch for early symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, which can include
1. Dry eyes
2. Trouble seeing in low light
3. Gray spots or shadows on the whites of the eyes
4. Difficulty producing tears
How To Prevent Vitamin A Deficiency
According to the Cleveland Clinic, vitamin A is necessary for excellent vision and immunological function. To prevent deficiencies, diets should include:
1.Leafy greens and broccoli
2.Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and other orange or yellow veggies.
3.Mangoes, oranges, cantaloupe, and papaya.
4.Eggs, dairy, liver, meat, and fowl
5.Fortified foods such as cereal, rice, wheat, and soybeans
6.Fatty fish, such as salmon.
7.In some circumstances, especially in underdeveloped nations, vitamin A supplements may be required, particularly for newborns, young children, and pregnant or lactating mothers.
While vitamin A deficiency is uncommon in the United States, it has a significant global impact. The World Health Organization estimates that it is the primary cause of avoidable blindness in children worldwide.