Question

Xerophthalmia in children and night blindness in adults is caused by the deficiency of
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin K

Answer 1

Hint:- A living organism needs a certain type of micronutrients for the overall development of its body. These micronutrients are called vitamins. Vitamins are required by the body in trace amounts and these amounts are very precisely regulated by the body mechanisms. When the amount of these vitamins become less than normal it is called a deficiency of vitamin and when the levels are more than normal then it is called the toxicity of the vitamin.

Complete step-by-step solution:-
Vitamins are categorized under two separate headings namely- fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins include Vit. A, D, E, and K and the water-soluble vitamins include Vit. B complex and C. The deficiency of any of these vitamins can cause severe clinical complications. Thus their quantities must be adequately maintained in the body.
The deficiency of vitamin B complex may cause diseases like Beri-Beri, Macrocytic Anemia, Pernicious Anemia, Dementia, Glossitis, and many more. The deficiency of vitamin C may cause diseases like scurvy, anemia, or joint pain. The deficiency of vitamin K may cause diseases like blood clotting disorders like severe bleeding. In adults, if vitamin A is deficient then night blindness may develop, and in children the deficiency of vitamin A causes xerophthalmia.
In a condition called night blindness, the amount of light available at night is too little to permit adequate vision thus a person is not able to see clearly at night. During xerophthalmia, the patient is not able to produce tears. Due to this the cornea and the conjunctiva of the eye become dry and get damaged.
Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Note:- Vitamins deficiency can be overcome by taking proper diets. Vitamin A deficiency can be overcome by eating green and yellow vegetables, fruits, milk, and butter. The deficiency of Vitamin A will cause a major symptom called keratinization of skin, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract.