Which of the following micronutrient deficiencies is associated with 'Bitot's spots' and is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness globally?

• A Vitamin A deficiency ✓
• B Vitamin D deficiency
• C Zinc deficiency
• D Riboflavin deficiency

Explanation

Bitot's spots — foamy white triangular plaques on the bulbar conjunctiva — are pathognomonic of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and represent grade X1B in the WHO/ICMR classification of xerophthalmia. VAD is the single most common preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide. India's National Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme administers high-dose Vitamin A supplements (1 lakh IU at 9 months, 2 lakh IU every 6 months from 12–60 months). Zinc deficiency causes poor growth and immune dysfunction but not Bitot's spots.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.