Which nutritional deficiency might cause optic atrophy?

Optic atrophy, which refers to the degeneration of the optic nerve leading to vision loss, can be associated with a deficiency of Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Thiamine plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, particularly in the functioning of the nervous system. Its deficiency can lead to several neurological issues, including Wernicke's encephalopathy and can also contribute to optic nerve degeneration.

In conditions where there is a significant deficiency of thiamine, the resulting metabolic disturbances can adversely affect neuronal health, including that of the optic nerve. This is why a deficiency in Vitamin B1 is relevant to the development of optic atrophy.

Other nutritional deficiencies listed—such as Vitamin K, iron, and Vitamin C—do not have the same direct impact on the optic nerve or are more associated with other conditions. For example, Vitamin K is more important for blood coagulation, iron is crucial for hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport, and Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis and antioxidant function. None of these directly correlate with optic nerve health in the way that a deficiency in thiamine does.