Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many of the body's most important functions. Deficiency can occur when a person does not get enough vitamin A to cover his or her body's needs, and it can lead to depressive symptoms.
Eating a simple way to get enough vitamin A for most people. In some cases, doctors may recommend supplements or other forms of vitamin A to help replenish lower stores.
Continue reading to learn about the causes and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, why vitamin A is important, and other foods rich in vitamin A.
Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency can vary greatly, and some people may have worse symptoms than others. Below are some of the symptoms that people may experience:
Problems related to vision
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, vision problems are common for those with vitamin A deficiency.
The eyes may be dry at first, which can damage the cornea and retina.
Night blindness can also occur due to a deficiency of vitamin A. This causes a person to be able to see or have difficulty seeing in low light, ultimately leading to the elimination of night vision. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that night vision is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency.
In severe cases, the eye continues to dry out, and tissue can build up in the cornea. This can also lead to darkening of the cornea, ulcers, and destruction.
Frequent infection
Vitamin A plays a major role in body function. A person with vitamin A deficiency can get infections more often, as they cannot fight the disease more easily.
Skin problems
Some people with vitamin A deficiency may experience problems with their skin, such as standing, itching, and weighing. Others may experience similar problems with hair and scalp.
Reproductive problems
Vitamin A plays a role in fertility, and deficiency can lead to infertility and difficulty conceiving.
Vertical growth
Vitamin A plays a role in the formation of healthy cells. Lack of adequate vitamins can delay growth or cause children to grow slowly or to develop bone loss. The cause of vitamin A deficiency is not getting enough vitamin A in the body or having a problem that causes the body to become dehydrated or use vitamin A effectively.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vitamin A deficiency is less common in developed countries, such as the United States, and is more common in developing countries, where people have less access to vitamin A.
Some people may be at risk for vitamin A deficiency, including: Infants born prematurely
people who are pregnant or breastfeeding infants and young children in developing countries Besides
, secondary deficiencies can occur in people with basic ailments that impair the body's ability to use vitamin A, such as those that contain:
Young children and pregnant women in low-income countries are at greater risk of side effects due to vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A plays a vital role in many bodily functions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes that vitamin A is essential for:
vision immune system reproductive system cellular communication
There is an important link between vitamin A and vision. In addition to helping to create the lining of the eye and cornea, vitamin A is a key component of a body protein called rhodopsin, which absorbs light from the retina.
Vitamin A also plays a key role in cell growth in some areas and contributes to the normal formation and function of cells in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs.
Learn more about vitamin A and its functions here
There are two types of vitamin A in the human diet. The first is a pre-made vitamin A, such as retinol, which comes from animal sources, including meat, fish, and milk.
The second form is provitamin A carotenoids, similar to beta carotene. These compounds are not as potent forms of vitamin A as they are naturally present, but the body converts them into a potent form of vitamin A.
Both of these types of vitamins will pass through the body to the body, becoming active retinal and retinoic acid. There are many simple sources of vitamin A. These include plant and animal sources, so it is very easy to meet dietary recommendations when following a healthy, balanced diet. The NIH lists many plant and animal sources of vitamin A and their amounts.
Atlantic herring: 219 mcg with 3 oz of selected fish
low-fat or high-fat milk with vitamin A supplement: 149 mcg per cup
boiled egg: 75 mcg per egg
Learn more about vitamin A-rich foods here
Vitamin A also comes in various forms as a supplementary diet in many foodstuffs'. Doctors may recommend taking a supplement if a person has difficulty getting enough vitamin A in his or her daily diet.
These supplements may contain pre-made vitamin A or other forms, such as beta carotene, or a combination of the two.
Anyone concerned about their vitamin A levels may wish to consult their physician for a checkup. This can help diagnose any underlying condition.
0 Comments