Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin A — either preformed vitamin A molecules or provitamin A molecules, like beta-carotene — is the primary cause of vitamin A deficiency.[1][2][3] Common signs and symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency include damage to the skin, vision problems under dim light conditions (night blindness), and poor immune system function.[1][2][4] Vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy can also cause birth defects in babies and growth impairments in children.[1][3][4]
In developing countries, vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of respiratory infections and diarrhea and increases the risk of dying from such conditions.[1][2] Vitamin A deficiency also leads to xerophthalmia — a condition that damages the eyes and is the leading cause of blindness in developing countries.[5][1][4]
This variety of outcomes caused by vitamin A deficiency arises because the many forms of vitamin A have diverse functions in the body.[1][2]
References
- ^Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on MicronutrientsDietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc
- ^Dewett D, Lam-Kamath K, Poupault C, Khurana H, Rister JMechanisms of vitamin A metabolism and deficiency in the mammalian and fly visual system.Dev Biol.(2021-Aug)
- ^de Souza Mesquita LM, Mennitti LV, de Rosso VV, Pisani LPThe role of vitamin A and its pro-vitamin carotenoids in fetal and neonatal programming: gaps in knowledge and metabolic pathways.Nutr Rev.(2021-Jan-01)
- ^Wiseman EM, Bar-El Dadon S, Reifen RThe vicious cycle of vitamin a deficiency: A review.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr.(2017-Nov-22)
- ^Feroze KB, Kaufman EJXerophthalmiaStatPearls.(2023-01)