Parents of Picky Eaters: Teenage Boy Declared Blind From Diet of Fries, Chips, White Bread & Sausages by Joy Stephenson-Laws JD

Headlines Parenting
4 years ago

Parents of Picky Eaters: Teenage Boy Declared Blind From Diet of Fries, Chips, White Bread & Sausages

According to a recent Newsweek report, a teenage boy went blind after eating a diet of only fries, chips, white bread, sausages and ham. These foods comprised his entire diet since elementary school. He was described as a “fussy eater.”

But perhaps what’s most shocking about the story of this boy is that he went blind despite not showing visible signs of malnutrition. He, “... had developed normally and had an average height, weight and BMI,” according to his doctor.

The boy was 14 years old when he was first evaluated. “By the age of 15, his hearing and vision had started to fade. An MRI scan revealed he had no structural problems with his ears, while an eye test similarly failed to reveal any structural cause.” 

His vision continued to get worse, and by age 17 doctors discovered he suffered damage to his optic nerve. Located at the back of the eye, the optic nerve connects to the brain and sends light signals to the brain, helping us see.

Doctors determined the boy had 20/200 vision, which is considered legally blind. In addition to being deficient in vitamin B12, he was also deficient in copper, selenium and vitamin D, which is thought to have caused him to have weak bones, according to the Newsweek article. 

The story of this young man should really be a wake-up call to all parents. If you notice your child is a "picky eater," address this right away. Don’t assume that your child will grow out of it. Involve your children in meal prepping and take them to the farmers’ market so that they can become interested and motivated to eat a variety of healthy, natural foods.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

​Cooking With Kids: Surprise Your Picky Eaters With These Fun, Kid-friendly Recipes

​Chef Gigi Gaggero’s “Food Fight for Parents of Picky Eaters” Wins a National Parenting Product Award!

My Kids Aren't Allowed to Be Picky Eaters: Here's the Parenting Trick That Worked for Me!

Want Your Picky Eater to Try New Foods? Here's An Often Overlooked Opportunity!

Elisa Schmitz
Yes, I heard about this! So scary. Kids need to eat a balanced diet from the start. Thank you for sharing this important info, Joy Stephenson-Laws JD ! I know Chef Gigi Gaggero is a great resource for parents of picky eaters. What do you think of this, Gigi?!
Gwen Johnson
What???? This is crazy. Puts a whole new meaning to "eat your vegetables."
Katie Sloan
This is frightening! My son is finally trying more foods at the age of 10.
Chef Gigi
Whoa! I know nutrition plays a huge part in the functionality of our bodies, and if we don’t manage it properly chronic disease forms. This is scary! Thank you for recognizing my book in this post! I really hope the child is doing better these days. Oh gosh. 🙏🏻

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Happy International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women's Achievement & Driving Gender Equality

Volunteering: Gain Marketable Jobs Skills Through Helping Others!