Which of the following diseases is caused by excessive consumption of Khesari dal?

DSSSB 12 August 2024

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

Lathyrism is a neurological disorder characterized by spastic paralysis of the lower limbs.
It is directly caused by the long-term consumption of Khesari dal (Lathyrus sativus), especially when it constitutes a major part of the diet (over 30% for 2-6 months).
Khesari dal contains a potent neurotoxin known as Beta-Oxalyl-Amino-Alanine (BOAA).
This toxin specifically damages the nervous system, leading to irreversible motor neuron damage and paralysis.

Option A: Epidemic dropsy is not caused by Khesari dal. It is a form of poisoning that results from consuming edible oils, typically mustard oil, that have been contaminated with oil from Argemone mexicana seeds.
Option C: Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own nerves. It is not caused by a dietary toxin but is often preceded by a bacterial or viral infection.
Option D: Nutritional goiter is an endocrine disorder caused by a deficiency of iodine in the diet, which is essential for the thyroid gland to produce hormones. It is unrelated to the consumption of Khesari dal.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of nutritional and toxicological disorders caused by specific dietary items as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A thorough dietary history is a crucial component of neurological assessment, especially when a patient presents with motor weakness. In regions where Khesari dal is a staple food, Lathyrism should be a key differential diagnosis.
Community health nurses play a vital role in educating populations about the dangers of consuming large quantities of Khesari dal and teaching methods to reduce its toxicity, such as soaking the dal in hot water and discarding the water before cooking.
What if? If a patient presented with bilateral pitting edema of the legs and a skin rash, instead of spastic paralysis, the primary suspicion would shift from Lathyrism to Epidemic Dropsy. The nurse's line of questioning would then focus on the type and source of cooking oil used by the family, rather than their consumption of pulses.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of specific diet-related diseases.
First, identify the key element in the question stem: 'excessive consumption of Khesari dal'.
Next, systematically evaluate each option to see which disease is directly linked to Khesari dal.
Recall or deduce the cause of each option: Epidemic dropsy is linked to Argemone oil, Guillain-Barré syndrome is autoimmune, and Nutritional goiter is due to iodine deficiency.
This process of elimination leaves Lathyrism, which is classically associated with Khesari dal consumption.
Confirm the match: Khesari dal causes Lathyrism. This confirms the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of nutritional and toxicological disorders caused by specific dietary items.
Stem keywords: diseases, excessive consumption, Khesari dal
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 181-183