5 Sign and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency - fitROSKY

 

Vitamin is an organic molecule which cannot be synthesized in the organism therefore it must be obtained from the diet, two types of vitamin 1. fat soluble and 2.water soluble. 

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a vital role in many bodily function, include skin health, eye health, immune system. 

There are two types of vitamin A, are Preformed vitamin A (retinol, retinyl esters), and Provitamin A carotenoids such as beta-carotene. 

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Daily Vitamin A goal:

• Males: 900 mcg/day (3000 U/day)
• Female: 700 mcg/day (2330 U/day)
• Pregnancy (more than 18 years): 750-770 mcg/day (2500-2600 U/day)

 

Preformed vitamin A is found in animal products, like fish, meat and dairy products and Carotenoids are found naturally in plant foods. 

Here are 5 sign and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:

1. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes also known as Xerophthalmia which is caused due to vitamin A deficiency, if it left untreated it may progress into spots and even may affect the cornea as well.  

Dry eyes is the one of the first sign of vitamin A deficiency. consumption of high dose of vitamin A for several weeks can treat dry eyes.

 

2.Night Blindness

Night blindness is an inability of an individual to see well at night or in poor light. it is one of the first signs of vitamin A. severe deficiency of vitamin A can lead to blindness by making cornea very dry. 

According to WHO 'an estimated 2,50,000 - 5,00,000 children who are vitamin A deficient become blind every year and half of them die within 12 months of losing their sight.' 

It can be treated with vitamin A supplement.

 

3. Dry skin

Dry skin condition is known as Xeroderma, it is marked by scaling, cracking and itching and its feel very uncomfortable. there could be many more reason of dry skin but chronic vitamin A deficiency also one of the reason of dry skin. 

Vitamin A is a vital for the creation and repair of skin cells, so not getting enough vitamin A may cause dry skin. 

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4. Delayed wound healing

Vitamin A plays a vital role in wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis but low level of vitamin A can results in delayed wound healing. 

While the exact mechanism of wound healing by vitamin A is still not well understood.  

5. Low immunity 

Vitamin A is known for protecting epithelium and mucus integrity in the body and also known for its anti-inflammation properties, so low level of vitamin A may hamper your immunity.  

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