You’re probably aware that a poor diet can lead to a number of concerning health issues, including diabetes, obesity, heart problems and more. But according to a new case study, centering your diet around processed foods may lead to something else you never would have thought possible — blindness.
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According to the report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a 17-year-old in the United Kingdom first visited doctors at age 14 complaining of fatigue. He had a normal BMI and height, no visible signs of malnutrition and did not take any medication. He was given B12 shots to help boost his vitamin B12 levels, but a year later, he returned to the doctor’s office, citing symptoms of hearing loss and vision loss. Doctors did not link the issues to his diet and found no cause for his symptoms. By the age of 17, the teen’s vision has worsened to the point of blindness.
Upon further testing, doctors found a vitamin B12 deficiency, a high zinc level, low copper and selenium levels, a reduced vitamin D level and bone mineral density. Only then did doctors begin to link his health issues to his diet. The patient was described as a “fussy eater” who consumed a limited diet consisting of chips, white bread and processed pork such as processed ham and sausage. Doctors were finally able to link the patient’s symptoms to his diet, but not until after he was determined to be legally blind.
Researchers who examined the case study concluded that the teen’s diet of processed foods and junk foods resulted in limited nutrients in his body, which led to an onset of nutritional optic neuropathy. The study’s lead author, Denize Atan, Ph.D., said, “Our vision has such an impact on quality of life, education, employment, social interactions and mental health. This case highlights the impact of diet on visual and physical health, and the fact that calorie intake and BMI are not reliable indicators of nutritional status."
The study highlights the grave importance of a healthy diet relating to all aspects of health. Without the vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body needs, it cannot and will not function properly.