Maize is deficit in:

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO- 2020

Explanation

Maize (corn) is a widely consumed cereal, but its protein is considered incomplete or of poor quality.
It is famously deficient in two essential amino acids: tryptophan and lysine.
Tryptophan is a crucial precursor for the synthesis of niacin (Vitamin B3) in the body.
A diet that relies heavily on maize as the primary staple can lead to pellagra, a disease caused by niacin deficiency, due to the low tryptophan content.

Option B: While threonine can be a limiting amino acid in some cereals like wheat, the most significant deficiencies in maize are tryptophan and lysine.
Option C: Maize contains adequate amounts of methionine. Methionine is typically the limiting amino acid in legumes (pulses), not cereals like maize.
Option D: This is the opposite of the truth. Maize is not deficient in leucine; it is actually rich in it.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Limiting amino acids in staple foods as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should be aware of the nutritional profiles of staple foods in different cultures to identify populations at risk for specific deficiencies.
Recognizing the signs of pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia) is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention in patients with maize-based diets, especially in resource-limited settings.
Nutritional counseling for populations dependent on maize should emphasize dietary diversification, such as combining maize with beans or other legumes, to provide a complete protein profile (maize provides methionine, beans provide lysine and tryptophan).

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on nutritional biochemistry.
First, identify the core of the question: it asks for a nutrient that is lacking in maize.
Recall the concept of 'limiting amino acids,' which are essential amino acids found in the smallest quantity in a food protein.
Access your knowledge about the nutritional composition of major staple foods. Maize (corn) is classically taught as being deficient in tryptophan and lysine.
Evaluate the given options. 'Tryptophan' is present in the options.
Confirm the answer by considering the other options. Leucine is high in maize, and methionine is the limiting amino acid in pulses, not maize.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 162-164

Practise the full AIIMS Nagpur NO- 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.