Definition

Vitamins are essential nutrients you consume in small amounts for your daily needs. Vitamin A is vital in the body, such as maintaining eye health, metabolism, and cell development. Vitamin A also plays a role in maintaining good immune and reproductive systems.

Our bodies cannot produce vitamin A. Vitamin A can only be obtained from daily food and drinks. You are at risk of vitamin A deficiency when you don't get enough vitamin A from your diet.

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to serious health problems such as impaired vision, weakened immunity, and even death. This deficiency can affect the pigmentation of your eyes, which is essential for proper functioning of the retina. Vitamin A is also crucial in producing a lubricant that moistens the cornea. If the cornea becomes too dry, it can get damaged, leading to blindness.

Causes

Vitamin A deficiency occurs when your body does not receive enough vitamin A from your diet. Additionally, liver damage may be the cause of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is stored in the liver, and any disorder of the liver can result in problems with vitamin A storage.

Some conditions that can cause vitamin A deficiency are:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Celiac disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Gallbladder blockage
• Pancreatic disorders
• Zinc or iron deficiency
• Alcohol abuse

Risk Factor

Vitamin A deficiency usually takes place in Africa and Southeast Asia. Several factors that influence vitamin A deficiency are disorders of the digestive system, which lead to the malabsorption of vitamin A.

Some of these diseases include:

• Celiac disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Pancreatic disorders
• Gallbladder disorders
• Giardiasis
• Duodenal bypass

Premature babies, breastfeeding mothers, children, and young adults in developing countries are at higher risk of vitamin A deficiency.

Symptoms

The initial symptom of vitamin A deficiency is the inability to see in the dark (night blindness/nyctalopia). If you have night blindness, you'll have difficulty seeing in the dark, but you can see normally in sufficient light. Vitamin A deficiency can cause retinal disorders, leading to this condition.

As vitamin A deficiency worsens, the whites of the eyes (sclera) and corneas will become dry due to impaired tear production (xerophthalmia). Foamy spots called Bitot's spots will appear on the whites of your eyes.

Skin disorders such as skin irritation, dryness, itching, and scaliness can occur. Keratinization can also occur, a process in which cells containing the protein keratin die and form a rigid structure. Vitamin A deficiency can also cause problems with the digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems.

In children, vitamin A deficiency can result in slower growth than other children of the same age due to stunted bone growth. In some cases, vitamin A deficiency can lead to difficulty conceiving and even infertility.

Diagnosis

Doctors can diagnose vitamin A deficiency based on blood tests. Serum retinol blood tests can measure the amount of vitamin A in your blood. The body stores vitamin A in large quantities so that vitamin A in the blood will not decrease until the vitamin deficiency is quite severe (less than 20 micrograms per deciliter).

If you have night blindness, your doctor may conduct an eye examination called electroretinography. The doctor will examine the light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) in your retina. This examination measures your retina's response to light.

Management

If you are diagnosed with vitamin A deficiency, the doctor will provide you with high-vitamin A supplements for several days to treat the condition. As your vision and skin problems start to improve, the dosage of the supplements will be reduced gradually. Vitamin A supplements can effectively help with night blindness and moisturize your eyes. However, it's important to note that vision loss resulting from corneal injury cannot be reversed.

Giving children high doses of vitamin A is not recommended, as it can be toxic. However, if your child has a vitamin A deficiency, they can still be treated with vitamin A supplements. To determine the right dose according to your child's needs, it's important to discuss it with your doctor. The doctor can also provide a healthy, balanced diet with high vitamin A levels.

If your retinol value is more than 30 mcg/dL, consuming vitamin A supplements won't be helpful. Instead, you should focus on consuming foods rich in vitamin A. However, you should be careful, as excessive consumption of foods high in vitamin A can also cause poisoning.

Complications

Vitamin A deficiency can cause several complications, such as: 

• Eye problems

Vitamin A is the key factor in your eyes' function. Vision loss and blindness can occur if vitamin A deficiency is left untreated.

• Skin problems

Vitamin A deficiency can cause dry, itchy, and scaly skin.

• Infertility

Vitamin A plays an important role in your reproductive system. Vitamin A deficiency can cause difficulties in pregnancy and even infertility.

• Growth and development problems

Vitamin A deficiency can retard children's growth and development.

• Respiratory tract infections

Vitamin A deficiency can cause problems with your immune system. This can make a person more susceptible to infections, such as lung and throat infections.

Prevention

The best way to prevent vitamin A deficiency is to consume a healthy diet, especially foods that contain vitamin A. Vitamin A can be obtained from:

• Green vegetables, such as broccoli
• Orange and yellow vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin, and sweet pumpkin
• Orange and yellow fruits, such as oranges, mangoes, cantaloupe melons, and papaya
• Dairy products
• Liver, chicken, and beef
• Certain fish, such as salmon and fish oil
• Egg
• Cereals, rice, potatoes, wheat, and soybeans

When to See a Doctor?

If you notice any symptoms related to the vitamin A deficiency mentioned above, it is important to contact your doctor. Regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial for maintaining good health. If your doctor suspects you have a vitamin A deficiency, they may suggest further examinations. Furthermore, if you have any concerns about your eyes, it is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist.

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