Which of the following vitamin/mineral deficiency causes mental disorder in children?

The correct answer is Vitamin B12

Key Points

• Vitamin B12:
• it is a water-soluble vitamin obtained through the ingestion of fish, meat, and dairy products, as well as fortified cereals and supplements.
• People following a vegetarian diet are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because it is found only in animal products. Vegetarian sources of vitamin B12 include Dairy products.
• It is absorbed with intrinsic factor, a product of the stomach’s parietal cells, in the terminal ileum after being extracted by gastric acid.
• Vitamin B12 is crucial for neurologic function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis, and is a cofactor for three major reactions: the conversion of methylmalonic acid to succinyl coenzyme, A; the conversion of homocysteine to methionine; and the conversion of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate.
• Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency:
• Diet. Vitamin B-12 is mainly found in meat, eggs, and milk, so people who don't eat these types of foods may need to take B-12 supplements.
• Pernicious anemia.
• Gastric surgeries.
• Intestinal problems.

Additional Information

• Vitamin A deficiency mainly causes vision problems and can lead to night blindness.
• Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy, which affects the skin, gums, and overall healing.
• Iron deficiency primarily causes anemia and can result in fatigue and weakness, but not typically mental disorders.