A 32-year-old female presents to the clinic seeking treatment for a sunburn-like rash. She also reports that she feels very sad and has no energy. Which deficiency should be considered?

A 32-year-old female presents to the clinic seeking treatment for a sunburn-like rash. She also reports that she feels very sad and has no energy. Which deficiency should be considered?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin K
• C. Lipid
• D. Protein

Answer: (D)

Protein deficiency is the concern here because inadequate protein intake disrupts skin integrity and overall nutrition, leading to dermatitis that can resemble a sunburn and to fatigue and low mood from impaired tissue repair and amino acid–dependent processes. In adults, protein-energy malnutrition can cause characteristic skin changes (dermatosis) and reduced energy and mood due to insufficient amino acids for neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism, as well as loss of lean body mass that worsens energy levels. Vitamin A deficiency would more likely present with eye-related findings (night blindness, Bitot spots). Vitamin K deficiency tends to cause bleeding problems. A lipid deficiency can lead to fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and related systemic signs, but the specific combination of a sunburn-like rash with fatigue and low energy aligns best with protein deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition.

Protein deficiency is the concern here because inadequate protein intake disrupts skin integrity and overall nutrition, leading to dermatitis that can resemble a sunburn and to fatigue and low mood from impaired tissue repair and amino acid–dependent processes. In adults, protein-energy malnutrition can cause characteristic skin changes (dermatosis) and reduced energy and mood due to insufficient amino acids for neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism, as well as loss of lean body mass that worsens energy levels.

Vitamin A deficiency would more likely present with eye-related findings (night blindness, Bitot spots). Vitamin K deficiency tends to cause bleeding problems. A lipid deficiency can lead to fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and related systemic signs, but the specific combination of a sunburn-like rash with fatigue and low energy aligns best with protein deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition.