Nutritional deficiency associated with hereditary ataxia – Medicine MCQ

Which nutritional deficiency is associated with hereditary ataxia?
A. Vitamin B12
B. Vitamin B1
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin C

Correct answer: C. Vitamin E

Explanation:

• There are two types of hereditary ataxia associated with abnormalities of Vitamin E.
  • Abetalipoproteinemia – Impairment of formation and secretion of VLDL in liver resulting in deficiency of delivery of Vitamin E to tissues including central and peripheral nervous system.
  • Ataxia with Vitamin E deficiency (AVED) – Impaired binding of Vitamin E to VLDL, resulting in deficiency of Vitamin E in peripheral tissues.

Reference: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th edition, p2630