EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN A ON HEALTH:

 

           Deficiency of vitamin A is very common in developing countries. Conditions that cause digestion abnormalities can also lead to vitamin A malabsorption.  Deficiency of vitamin A can have various effects on health, as this essential nutrient plays a crucial role in maintaining several body functions. The effect of this deficiency range from severe to minor depending upon degree and duration of the deficiency. In severe cases, not getting enough vitamin A can increase your chances of dying.

           Following are the effects of vitamin A deficiency on human health.

·        NIGHT BINDNESS (NYCTALOPIA):

The most common side effect of vitamin A deficiency is called nyctalopia commonly known as Night blindness. Nyctalopia is the inability of human eye to see in low light. Night blindness occurs in people with vitamin A deficiency, as the vitamin A is a major component of the pigment rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is found in the retina of your eye and extremely sensitive to light. People with this condition can still see normally during the day, but have reduced vision in darkness as their eyes struggle to pick up light at lower levels.

 

·        DRY EYES (XEROPHTHALMIA):

Xerophthalmia is a serious eye disorder associated with vitamin A deficiency. Because of the potential for permanent blindness this disease requires drastic measures of treatment. The disease is characterized by abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva & cornea of the eye, with inflammation and ridge formation. If the deficiency remains untreated, it can lead to dryness, thickening, and ulceration of the cornea, ultimately leading to permanent blindness.

·        MEASLES:

In measles, children with vitamin A deficiency are more likely to have severe symptoms and may die from the disease, especially in the developing countries. Taking supplements of high dose vitamin A may help in preventing new cases of measles and might lower their risk of dying of measles in these children.

 

·        IMPAIRED IMMUNE FUNCTION:

 Vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Deficiency of vitamin A weakens the immune response by increasing the levels of pro-inflammatory molecules that will ultimately diminish immune system response making individuals more susceptible to infections. It can also impair the production and function of immune cells, reducing the ability of the body to fight off pathogens.

 

·        SKIN AND MUCOUS MEMBRANE ISSUES:

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dryness, roughness, and scaling of the skin. It can also affect the mucous membranes, causing dryness and crusting. In severe cases it can cause a condition known as phrynoderma which is characterized by follicular hyperkeratosis (plugging of hair follicles) and skin lesions.

PHRYNODERMA

·        GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS:

Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and development, particularly in children. Deficiency can lead to stunted growth, delayed bone development, and poor overall development. It can also affect the health of reproductive tissues and impair fertility.

 

·        INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INFECTIONS:

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues, such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts. Deficiency of vitamin A can compromise the integrity of these tissues. This makes individuals more susceptible to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract infections.

 

·        IMPAIRED MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH:

 Vitamin A deficiency in pregnant women can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as Anemia, Pre-eclampsia (increased blood pressure), and postpartum hemorrhage. It can also lead to increased risk of maternal mortality. In children, deficiency of Vitamin A negatively impacts the fetus by slowing growth and development and it can result in increased susceptibility to infections, and increased mortality rates in fetus and children.

 

·        COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT:

 Vitamin A is important for normal brain function and cognitive development. Deficiency during early childhood can cause abnormal brain function & impair cognitive abilities, leading to learning difficulties and decreased intellectual performance.

 

·        DISEASES:

A long-term deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to a higher risk of respiratory diseases such as Pneumonia and infections such as measles and Diarrhea. It can also cause Anemia (a condition in which the red blood cells do not supply enough oxygen to the body).

 

·        AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD):

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the loss of central vision in old age. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Deficiency of Vitamin A is most probably the result of cellular damage to the retina because of the oxidative stress.

·        DRY HAIR:

Less severe symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include dryness of hairs.

 

Read about VITAMIN A & ITS HEALTH BENEFITS here.