Sudden Blindness in Classroom
An eight-year-old student in Malaysia lost her vision due to a severe Vitamin A deficiency, reportedly caused by a diet consisting solely of processed foods such as sausages, nuggets, and cookies since infancy.
Medical practitioner Dr. Erna Nadia shared the alarming incident on Facebook. She explained that the student suddenly asked the teacher, “Why can’t I see anything?”
The class was left in shock as the teacher quickly contacted the student’s parents.
The student was immediately taken to the hospital, where extensive testing revealed the student had completely lost vision in both eyes due to a lack of Vitamin A.
A Diet of Processed Foods to Blame
According to Dr. Erna, dietitians’ investigations uncovered that the 8-year-old’s diet had been almost entirely composed of processed foods from infancy until the second grade.
These items, including nuggets, sausages, and cookies, lack essential nutrients necessary for healthy development.
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to significant health issues, including dry eyes, difficulty seeing in low light, and eventually, permanent blindness. Unfortunately, in this case, the damage was irreversible.
The Hidden Dangers of Processed Foods
Processed foods are often high in preservatives, salt, and unhealthy fats while lacking essential nutrients.
According to Buzz Kini, a UK cancer researcher pointed out the harmful chemical additives like nitrates and nitrites commonly found in items such as sausages. These chemicals can increase the risk of cancer over time.
Dr. Erna emphasized the need for parents to focus on providing balanced meals, even if their schedules are demanding.
She suggested simple, nutritious alternatives such as chicken rice or noodle soup, which can provide children with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Early Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency
Dr. Erna also outlined the early warning signs of Vitamin A deficiency, which include:
- Dryness in the eyes.
- Grey spots on the white part of the eyes.
- Difficulty seeing in dim light.
- Reduced tear production, which can escalate to vision loss if untreated.
Foods rich in Vitamin A, such as spinach, carrots, mangoes, papayas, eggs, and sweet potatoes, can help prevent such deficiencies.
Doctor Calls for Healthier Eating Habit
Sharing the story on her Facebook page, Dr. Erna urged parents to prioritize their children’s nutrition by incorporating real, unprocessed foods into daily meals.
She stressed that dietary supplements are not substitutes for real food and called on parents to be more cautious about their children’s eating habits.
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