Clinical Correlation: Vitamin Deficiency Diseases
| Vitamin | Primary Deficiency Disease | Key Clinical Findings |
|---|---|---|
| A | Xerophthalmia | Night blindness, dry eyes (xerosis), Bitot spots. |
| B1 | Beriberi / Wernicke-Korsakoff | Wet (HF), Dry (polyneuritis), WKS (ataxia, confusion, confabulation). |
| B2 | Ariboflavinosis | Cheilosis, stomatitis, glossitis, and corneal vascularization. |
| B3 | Pellagra | Dermatitis (C3/C4), Diarrhea, Dementia, Glossitis. |
| B9 | Folate Deficiency | Megaloblastic anemia, glossitis, no neuro symptoms. |
| B12 | Pernicious Anemia | Megaloblastic anemia + Subacute Combined Degeneration. |
| C | Scurvy | Swollen gums, bruising, petechiae, hemarthrosis, and anemia. |
| D | Rickets / Osteomalacia | Bone pain, deformities (bowing), hypocalcemia. |
Pro-Tip for Boards:
- Mnemonic for B3: Think of the “3 Ds” of Pellagra.
- The B12/Folate Test: Only B12 deficiency causes subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (dorsal column/lateral corticospinal tract deficits).
- Resource: For more clinical vignettes and high-yield questions on these deficiencies, visit mymedschool.org.