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Deficiency of Vitamin A Causes
Vitamin A Deficiency – Causes: A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to a number of health problems, including night blindness, dry skin, and hair loss.
A More Detailed View of Vitamin A
- Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that is required for the maintenance of normal vision, skin health, and a healthy immune system. It is also necessary for the reproduction of cells and the growth of bones and tissues.
- There are two forms of vitamin A: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A. Preformed vitamin A is found in animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, and is the most bioavailable form of the nutrient. Provitamin A, which is found in plant foods, is converted to vitamin A in the body. Good sources of provitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark, leafy green vegetables.
- The recommended daily intake of vitamin A is 900 micrograms for men and 700 micrograms for women. However, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should consume a higher amount of vitamin A, at least 1,300 micrograms per day.
- Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and is stored in the liver. It is important to note that excessive amounts of vitamin A can be toxic and can cause liver damage. Therefore, it is important to not exceed the recommended daily intake.
- Some of the signs and symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; blurred vision; and skin irritation.
Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency
- There are a number of causes of vitamin A deficiency. Some of the most common are a lack of access to foods that are rich in the vitamin, malabsorption disorders, and chronic illnesses.
- Individuals who do not have regular access to foods that are rich in vitamin A are at risk for deficiency. This may be due to poverty, living in a rural area where access to nutrient-rich foods is limited, or living in a developing country where malnutrition is common.
- People with malabsorption disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, have difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. This can lead to a deficiency in vitamin A, as well as other nutrients.
- Chronic illnesses, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS, can also lead to a deficiency in vitamin A. This is because these illnesses can impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.
Effects of Vitamin A Deficiency
- A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to a number of health problems, including night blindness, dry skin, and an increased susceptibility to infection.
- The effects of vitamin A deficiency are numerous and can be very serious. Vitamin A is essential for normal vision, growth, and development. It also plays a role in the immune system. A deficiency can lead to vision problems, growth problems, and an increased risk of illness.
- Vision problems are the most common symptom of vitamin A deficiency. These problems can range from mild problems such as difficulty seeing in the dark to more serious problems such as blindness.
- Growth problems are also common in children who are deficient in vitamin A. These children may be shorter than average and have a smaller than average head size. They may also be more likely to get sick than children who have adequate levels of vitamin A.
- Vitamin A deficiency can also lead to an increased risk of illness. People who are deficient in vitamin A are more likely to get sick from common illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia. They are also more likely to develop more serious illnesses such as measles, tuberculosis, and malaria.
- Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that is necessary for normal vision, growth, and development. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to vision problems, growth problems, and an increased risk of illness.
Vitamin A Deficiency Treatment
- A person with vitamin A deficiency may be treated with supplements of vitamin A, cod liver oil, or a diet high in fruits and vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene.
- A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to a number of health problems. Treatment for a vitamin A deficiency typically includes taking supplements and eating foods that are high in vitamin A.
- If you are deficient in vitamin A, your doctor may prescribe supplements. These supplements typically come in the form of pills or capsules. You will need to take these supplements every day to correct the deficiency.
- In addition to taking supplements, it is important to eat foods that are high in vitamin A. Some good sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach. You can also get vitamin A from animal products, such as eggs, milk, and meat.