Which vitamin deficiency results from long-term recreational abuse of nitrous oxide?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks: Which vitamin deficiency results from long-term recreational abuse of nitrous oxide? Let's evaluate each option in turn.
Option 1: Niacin. Niacin deficiency leads to pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death in severe cases. This is not associated with nitrous oxide exposure, so this option is incorrect.
Option 2: Riboflavin. Riboflavin deficiency causes ariboflavinosis, with symptoms like sore throat, angular cheilitis, glossitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. There is no established link between nitrous oxide abuse and riboflavin deficiency, so this choice is not correct.
Option 3: Cobalamin. Cobalamin is vitamin B12. Chronic nitrous oxide exposure inactivates the B12-dependent enzyme methionine synthase by oxidizing the cobalt center of B12, leading to a functional B12 deficiency. This mechanism is well-documented in medical literature on nitrous oxide abuse, making this option correct.
Option 4: Ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is vitamin C, deficiency causing scurvy with symptoms like gum bleeding and poor wound healing. There is no direct, established effect of nitrous oxide on vitamin C status, so this option is incorrect.
In summary, while the other vitamins describe distinct deficiency syndromes unrelated to nitrous oxide, the unique, mechanism-based link between nitrous oxide exposure and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) inactivation makes option 3 the accurate choice for this question.

Which vitamin deficiency results from long-term recreational abuse of nitrous oxide?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Why are strict vegetarians at risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency?

Your patient states he has been following a strict vegan diet for the last 10 years, which could mean a deficiency in which of the following vitamins?

After switching to a vegan diet, Jordan begins experiencing numbness in his hands and difficulty concentrating. Which vitamin deficiency should be considered first?

Which of the following is a major nutritional concern for someone following a strictly vegan diet without supplementation?

Chronic gastritis can lead to macrocytic anemia due to:

Vegans are at extremely high risk of deficiency of which vitamin?

An elderly woman has shown in a blood smear test to have large undeveloped red blood cells. Her diet is rich in both plant and animal foods and her plasma folate levels are high. The best explanation would be:

More Practical Tools for International Students

Homework AI Solver

Stylized Writing Assistant

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation Assistant

In-Class Translation Assistant

Class Notes Assistant

Quiz Search Assistant

Past Exam Questions by School

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler