Vitamin a deficiency

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Vitamin A Deficiency
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Night blindness, dry skin, increased risk of infections
Complications Blindness, severe infections
Onset
Duration
Types N/A
Causes Inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption
Risks Poor diet, malnutrition, certain medical conditions
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, serum retinol levels
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Vitamin A supplementation, dietary changes
Medication N/A
Prognosis Good with treatment
Frequency Common in developing countries
Deaths N/A


Vitamin A deficiency is a condition characterized by insufficient levels of vitamin A in the body, leading to a range of health issues. It is a significant public health problem, particularly in developing countries, where it is a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of disease and death from severe infections.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining healthy vision, immune system function, and cellular communication. It is crucial for the maintenance of epithelial tissues and the normal functioning of the retina.

Vitamin A deficiency occurs when there is inadequate intake or absorption of vitamin A. This can result from a diet low in vitamin A-rich foods, such as liver, fish, dairy products, and vegetables like carrots and spinach. Malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease or cystic fibrosis, can also lead to deficiency.

Clinical Manifestations[edit | edit source]

The clinical manifestations of vitamin A deficiency can vary depending on the severity and duration of the deficiency. Common symptoms include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency is primarily clinical, based on the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms. Laboratory tests can confirm the diagnosis by measuring serum retinol levels. A level below 0.70 micromoles per liter (20 micrograms per deciliter) is indicative of deficiency.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The primary treatment for vitamin A deficiency is supplementation with vitamin A. High-dose vitamin A supplements are often administered in areas where deficiency is prevalent. Dietary modifications to include more vitamin A-rich foods are also recommended.

In acute cases, especially in children with severe deficiency, immediate administration of high-dose vitamin A is crucial to prevent complications such as blindness and severe infections.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventive strategies include:

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Vitamin A deficiency is most prevalent in developing countries, particularly in regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. It affects millions of children and pregnant women, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality.

Complications[edit | edit source]

If left untreated, vitamin A deficiency can lead to severe complications, including:

  • Blindness: Due to progressive damage to the cornea.
  • Increased mortality: Particularly in children, due to heightened vulnerability to infections.

See also[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD