Detecting Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency: Be Aware of Symptoms and Learn Tips for Improvement
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for immune system function, healthy skin, and clear vision. There are two types of it: provitamin A carotenoids (beta-carotene) and preformed vitamin A (retinol). Whereas provitamin A carotenoids are present in plant-based foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and apricots, preformed vitamin A is derived from animal sources like liver, fish, dairy products, and eggs.
A deficiency of vitamin A arises from the body not getting enough of this vital nutrient. People in developing nations are mainly affected by it, particularly in regions where malnutrition is common. Common causes include eating a diet low in foods high in vitamin A, having digestive issues that impair vitamin A absorption, and having certain medical conditions.
A lack of vitamin A can result in a variety of illnesses and disabilities, especially those that affect the eyes. Continue reading for a list of the numerous symptoms of a vitamin A deficiency as well as advice on how to treat it.
- Having trouble adjusting to low light or having trouble seeing well in low light.
- Dry, scaly, or rough skin. As a result of moisture loss, the skin gets flaky and dry.
- Spots on the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the whites of the eyes, that are white or grayish in color.
- Cornea ulceration, which results in pain, redness in the eyes, and issues with vision.
- A serious eye ailment characterized by dry, irritated, and infection-prone eyes. If treatment is not received, it may lead to progressive damage and even blindness.
- A lack of vitamin A impairs immunity, leaving people more vulnerable to diseases and infections.
- Eat a diet rich in foods like liver, fish, eggs, dairy, and orange and yellow vegetables like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots.
- Include leafy greens in your diet, such as kale, collard greens, and spinach, as they are rich in beta-carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A.
- Add fruits that are high in beta-carotene and can help raise your vitamin A levels, like oranges, mangoes, and apricots.
- To help you reach your daily requirements, look for fortified cereals, milk, and other food products that are enhanced with vitamin A.
- Consider taking a vitamin A supplement under a doctor's supervision if your diet isn't enough to meet your needs for the vitamin.
- Heat has the potential to destroy vitamin A, so use caution when cooking food to preserve its vitamin A content. Vegetables can have their nutrients preserved by lightly steaming or stirring-frying them.
- Limit or stay away from alcohol completely as it can cause problems with the absorption and utilisation of vitamin A.
- It has been demonstrated that smoking lowers vitamin A levels, so giving up can help you keep your body's vitamin A levels at their ideal levels.
- Certain medications, like some acne treatments, can obstruct the body's ability to absorb and use vitamin A. Talk to your doctor about any possible medication-induced vitamin A deficiency.
Consider taking a vitamin A supplement under a doctor's supervision if your diet isn't enough to meet your needs for the vitamin.
It's crucial to speak with a healthcare provider if you think you may have a vitamin A deficiency in order to receive a diagnosis and the best course of action, which may include vitamin A supplements, dietary adjustments, or treating the underlying causes.