By An 8-year-old Malaysian boy has lost his vision due to a severe vitamin A deficiency caused by a diet consisting solely of processed foods like chicken nuggets, sausages, and cookies since infancy. The child suddenly experienced vision loss during class, prompting immediate medical attention. Doctors diagnosed him with optic neuropathy, a condition where the optic nerve is damaged, leading to vision impairment.
This condition was attributed to a severe vitamin A deficiency resulting from his restrictive diet. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, and its deficiency can lead to conditions such as night blindness and, in severe cases, complete blindness. The boy’s diet, lacking in vitamin A-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, contributed to this deficiency.
This case underscores the critical importance of a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for children’s health. Parents and caregivers are advised to ensure that children consume a variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs, thereby preventing deficiencies that can lead to serious health issues.
