It’s important for healthy vision, a strong immune system, reproduction, and growth and development.
The deficiency mostly affects the eyes and eyesight, possibly leading to blindness if not recognized and treated.
However, some people may be at greater risk of vitamin A deficiency regardless of where they live.
Getty Image /Kseniya Ovchinnikova
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.
What Causes a Vitamin A Deficiency?
These include:
Signs and Symptoms
Vitamin A deficiency mostly affects the eyes and eyesight.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency may include:
Your primary healthcare provider can diagnose vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin A deficiency mainly affects the eyes.
The first sign of vitamin A deficiency is often night blindness.
Xerophthalmia also negatively affects the cornea of the eye and can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated.
Vitamin A deficiency can also contribute to an increased risk of infections.
Furthermore, it has been associated with pregnancy deaths and negative outcomes related to pregnancy and lactation.
RAE is used because of the different bioactivities of retinol and carotenoids.
One mcg of RAE is equivalent to:
What Foods Contain Vitamin A?
Supplementation is recommended for suspected or confirmed vitamin A deficiencies.
Doses of vitamin A may vary depending on your health history and the severity of the deficiency.
For isolated vitamin A deficiencies, a single vitamin A supplement will work.
Afterward, a multivitamin containing vitamin A may be enough for maintenance.
Your healthcare provider may recommend different supplement regimens for people with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders or medical conditions.
For example, people with cystic fibrosis or pancreatic insufficiency may need all fourfat-soluble vitaminssupplemented.
There is no need to supplement vitamin A if you are not deficient.
Supplementing vitamin A should be done under medical supervision.
How Long Does It Take to Correct a Vitamin A Deficiency?
Vitamin A deficiency and its symptoms can be treated and corrected if detected early.
Supplementation can be prescribed by your healthcare provider to correct the deficiency.
Oils like avocado, olive, or canola arehealthy fatsto include because they are mostly monounsaturated fats.
Avocados and some nuts are also good sources of healthy fats.
As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A is stored in the body, even in excess amounts.
It can accumulate and lead totoxicity,referred to ashypervitaminosisA.
It should be noted that vitamin A supplements may be a combination of preformed vitamin A and beta-carotene.
However, a deficiency can occur when the body doesn’t get enough vitamin A to support its needs.
Vitamin A deficiencies are rare in developed countries, but they can happen.
Like many other vitamins, some people are more at risk of deficiency and may benefit from supplementation.
People with difficulty absorbing nutrients due to GI disorders are at a higher risk.
Vitamin deficiencies should be diagnosed and treated under medical supervision, as excessive amounts may pose risks.
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World Health Organization.Vitamin A deficiency.
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Gilbert C.The eye signs of vitamin A deficiency.Community Eye Health.
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The Alpha-Tocopherol Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group.Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group.
