Vitamin A Deficiency: Symptoms and Causes
We've all heard it since we were children: "Eat your veggies!" Most of us balked at the idea, but begrudgingly ate them anyway, never once believing that there was good logic behind that motherly directive. Vegetables are storehouses for various vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential for human health. One of these all-important compounds is vitamin A, and having a vitamin A deficiency can have severe health implications.
Symptoms Of Deficiency
So how do you know if you're suffering from a vitamin A deficiency? There are several symptoms associated with this problem, mostly revolving around the eyes, skin and immune system.
The first of these eye symptoms is reduced night vision or night blindness. Night blindness is, simply put, a decrease in a person's ability to see in low light situations. This particular symptom is also one of the first signs that you may be suffering from a vitamin A deficiency.
Another symptom is dry eyes. This usually follows after night blindness, as tear production is slowed down due to a buildup of a keratinized secretion that will eventually progress into erosion, and then destruction, of the cornea. If allowed to get to this point untreated, total blindness will eventually take place.
Rough or dry skin is also a symptom caused by vitamin A deficiency. You may notice patches of scaly or extremely dry skin.
Also important is the effect that being deficient in vitamin A has on the immune system. People suffering from vitamin A deficiency often experience increased respiratory or urinary infections. Once again, this is due to the keratinizing of secretions on the lining in the bladder, lungs and upper respiratory passages.
Causes
A few underlying causes for vitamin A deficiency are malabsorption, inadequate diet, malnutrition, and lipid lowering medications.
Malabsorption is nothing more than the body's failure to properly absorb the nutrients it's given. Malabsorption itself can be caused by several factors, including hypo- or hyperthyroidism, diabetes, HIV and diverticulitis.
Inadequate diet is pretty self-explanatory. It is important to eat a variety of vegetables and lean meats to get adequate amounts of all vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A. Diets low in foods such as broccoli, peas, leafy vegetables, carrots and spinach are more likely to cause deficiencies.
Malnutrition is caused by either an improper or insufficient diet. It can also be a result of malabsorption. Either way, the body is not receiving the necessary amounts of nutrients it needs to function properly.
Certain lipid lowering drugs, such as those given to patients who have high cholesterol, can also affect the absorption of vitamin A, thus causing a deficiency.
Conclusion
Vitamin A deficiency is serious business. Like most dietary deficiencies, it has a large impact on the health of those suffering from it. Oftentimes, it can be hard to tell if you have such deficiency because the symptoms can be associated with other illnesses as well. If you suspect that you may be experiencing the effects of a vitamin A deficiency, please make an appointment with your family physician.
