Symptoms of vitamin a deficiency

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Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency

Ocular Symptoms: Xerophthalmia and Night Blindness

One of the most well-documented and early signs of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is xerophthalmia, a condition characterized by dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, which can lead to blindness if untreated 12. Night blindness, or the inability to see in low light or darkness, is another common ocular symptom associated with VAD 39. These visual impairments are often the first indicators of a deficiency and are particularly prevalent in children in low- and middle-income countries 19.

Growth and Developmental Issues

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in cell development, vision, growth, and normal metabolism. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to impaired growth and developmental issues, especially during critical periods such as infancy, childhood, pregnancy, and lactation . In infants, VAD can result in severe malnutrition, hydrocephalus, and anemia, which can be reversed with adequate vitamin A supplementation 67.

Increased Susceptibility to Infections

VAD is associated with a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to severe infections. This is particularly concerning in developing countries where the deficiency is widespread and can lead to increased mortality rates among children 29. The deficiency impairs the integrity of the intestinal epithelium, leading to increased bacterial translocation and higher risks of infections and septicemia .

Anemia and Hematopoietic Impairment

Anemia is another significant symptom of VAD. Studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency can impair hematopoietic function, leading to lower levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit . This condition can be masked by dehydration, which often accompanies severe vitamin A depletion . In infants, severe anemia has been observed alongside other symptoms of VAD, such as hydrocephalus and hematuria .

Neurological Symptoms: Ataxia and Coordination Issues

In animal studies, particularly in chicks, VAD has been shown to cause neurological symptoms such as ataxia, characterized by a staggering gait and general incoordination of movements . Similar symptoms have been observed in vitamin A-deficient rats, including hind leg weakness and tremors .

Conclusion

Vitamin A deficiency manifests in a variety of symptoms, ranging from ocular issues like xerophthalmia and night blindness to systemic problems such as impaired growth, increased susceptibility to infections, anemia, and neurological symptoms. Addressing VAD through adequate supplementation, dietary diversification, and fortification of foods is crucial for preventing these severe health issues, particularly in vulnerable populations in developing countries.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Vitamin a deficiency and clinical disease: an historical overview.

Vitamin A deficiency has been identified and documented since the early 20th century, with its clinical manifestations ranging from xerophthalmia to growth disturbances and susceptibility to severe infections.

Highly Cited

2008·

281citations

·A. Sommer

The vicious cycle of vitamin a deficiency: A review

Vitamin A deficiency leads to a vicious cycle of malnutrition, inflammation, and improper growth, causing blindness in young children and increased death rates from severe infections.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2017·

173citations

·Elina Manusevich Wiseman et al.

Effects of vitamin A depletion in young adults.

This study aimed to determine the order of occurrence of early signs of vitamin A deficiency in young adults, aiming to clarify the definition and order of symptoms in this condition.

1943·

20citations

·Sadie Brenner et al.

Clinical signs of anemia in vitamin A-deficient rats.

Anemia may be a component of vitamin A deficiency, but may be masked by dehydration, as it may be masked by alopecia, ocular lesions, and low levels of retinol in plasma and liver.

Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly Cited

1979·

78citations

·L. Mejia et al.

Observations on Some Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency in Chicks

Vitamin A deficiency in chicks can cause staggering gait and general incoordination of movements, but the first signs of ataxia are a safer end point for giving curative doses.

Non-RCTAnimal Study

1937·

4citations

·B. Heywang et al.

Vitamin A deficiency in infancy.

Vitamin A deficiency in infants can cause malnutrition, anemia, hydrocephalus, and hematuria, but can be effectively treated with large doses of vitamin A.

Case Report

1955·

39citations

·M. H. Bass et al.

Vitamin A deficiency: case report; unusual manifestations in a 5 1/2 month old baby.

Vitamin A deficiency in infants can cause multiple manifestations, highlighting the need for adequate supplementation of synthetic diets.

Case Report

1952·

32citations

·D. Cornfeld et al.

Vitamin A deficiency leads to severe functional disturbance of the intestinal epithelium enzymes associated with diarrhoea and increased bacterial translocation in gnotobiotic rats.

Vitamin A deficiency leads to severe intestinal epithelium dysfunction, causing diarrhoea and increased bacterial translocation in gnotobiotic rats.

Non-RCTAnimal Study

2003·

32citations

·H. Kozakova et al.

Safety of vitamin A.

Vitamin A toxicity is rare and associated with overconsumption of supplements, but deficiency can cause xerophthalmia and permanent blindness, and increased mortality rates in children.

Highly Cited

1989·

236citations

·Adrianne Bendich et al.

Vitamin A deficiency disorders: international efforts to control a preventable "pox".

Vitamin A deficiency disorders (VADD) can be effectively controlled through community-centered strategies that improve household food and nutrition security and self-reliance.

Highly Cited

2004·

105citations

·B. Underwood

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