Stacey Irvine, 17, says fresh fruit and vegetables have never touched her tongue, and admits to being addicted to chicken nuggets. Rarely would she alter her meals, opting for a slice of toast for breakfast or a pack of crisps instead of the nuggets.

Irvine said, "I loved them so much they were all I would eat. I just couldn't face even trying other foods. Mum gave up giving me anything else years ago. McDonald's chicken nuggets are my favourite. I share 20 with my boyfriend with chips. But I also like KFC and supermarket brands."

Doctors say her 15-year chicken nugget diet has left her with anaemia and inflamed veins on her tongue. Her body was so deficient in vitamins and nutrients that they had to inject her with them. She at least managed to admit that her diet is affecting her badly, saying "I am starting to realise this is really bad for me. My main meal is always chicken nuggets every day."

Stacey's mother, Evonne, said, "She's been told in no uncertain terms that she will die if she carries on like this. But Stacey says she can't eat anything else. It breaks my heart to see her eating those damned nuggets. I am at my wit's end. I'm praying she can be helped before it's too late."

Stacey is currently recovering at home on a high-dose course of vitamins. Hopefully, she will at least start including some healthier foods in her diet after this scare. (c) tPC