Vitamin A plays a crucial role in many physiological functions, from maintaining healthy vision to supporting the immune system and ensuring proper skin health. A deficiency in this essential nutrient can lead to a range of warning signs—some subtle, others more serious. According to egeszsegkalauzmagazin.hu, knowing these symptoms can help prevent long-term health problems.
Why Is Vitamin A Important?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in two main forms:
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Preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters), found in animal products like liver, dairy, and fish.
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Provitamin A carotenoids (especially beta-carotene), found in plant-based foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
It contributes to:
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Normal vision, especially night vision
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Healthy skin and mucous membranes
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Immune system performance
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Cell growth and differentiation
Common Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency
The body gives clear signals when it’s lacking in vitamin A. Some of the most frequent symptoms include:
1. Night Blindness (Nyctalopia)
One of the earliest signs is difficulty seeing in low-light or dark conditions. The retina needs vitamin A to produce rhodopsin, a pigment that helps the eyes adapt to darkness.
2. Dry Eyes
Vitamin A keeps the eyes moist. A deficiency can lead to dryness, irritation, and in severe cases, corneal ulcers or blindness.
3. Skin Issues
Dry, flaky, or rough skin may signal a lack of vitamin A. This vitamin supports skin cell regeneration and helps fight inflammation.
4. Frequent Infections
Vitamin A boosts immune function. Without enough of it, you’re more susceptible to respiratory infections, throat problems, and delayed recovery from illness.
5. Delayed Wound Healing
Cuts and scrapes may take longer to heal, as vitamin A plays a role in skin repair and collagen production.
6. Reproductive Issues
In severe cases, deficiency can affect fertility and lead to complications in pregnancy or fetal development.
7. Dry Hair and Brittle Nails
Low vitamin A may impair the health of hair follicles and nail beds, causing breakage or thinning.
Who Is at Risk?
Vitamin A deficiency is more common in developing countries, but it can also occur in high-risk groups such as:
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People with digestive disorders (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn’s disease)
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Those with poor diets lacking fruits, vegetables, or animal products
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Strict vegans who don’t consume enough beta-carotene-rich foods
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Alcoholics, due to impaired liver function
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Infants and children with limited nutrition or frequent infections
How to Prevent or Correct a Deficiency
Ensuring adequate intake of vitamin A is usually easy with a balanced diet.
Top food sources include:
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Liver, egg yolk, fatty fish (preformed vitamin A)
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Carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, pumpkin, mango (beta-carotene)
Supplementation may be necessary in cases of confirmed deficiency, but should only be done under medical supervision, as vitamin A can be toxic in high doses.
Recommended Daily Intake
According to most health authorities:
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Men: 900 mcg (RAE) per day
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Women: 700 mcg (RAE) per day
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Children: 300–600 mcg depending on age
(1 RAE = Retinol Activity Equivalent)
Final Thoughts
Vitamin A is essential for everyday functions that often go unnoticed—until something goes wrong. Symptoms like dry eyes, skin irritation, or poor night vision shouldn’t be ignored. By recognizing these signs early and taking steps to improve your diet or seek medical advice, you can protect your overall health and wellbeing.
Source: egeszsegkalauzmagazin.hu – A-vitamin hiány tünetei: amikor a szervezet figyelmeztet