Vitamin a deficiency
Vitamin A Deficiency | |
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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:
- Night blindness: Difficulty seeing in low light conditions is often one of the earliest signs of vitamin A deficiency.
- Xerophthalmia: A condition characterized by dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, which can progress to keratomalacia and corneal ulceration.
- Bitot's spots: Foamy, whitish spots on the conjunctiva, indicative of prolonged deficiency.
- Immunodeficiency: Increased susceptibility to infections, particularly measles and diarrheal diseases.
- Skin changes: Dry, scaly skin due to impaired epithelial cell function.
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:
- Dietary diversification: Encouraging the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A.
- Fortification: Adding vitamin A to staple foods such as rice, sugar, and flour.
- Supplementation programs: Providing periodic high-dose vitamin A supplements to at-risk populations, particularly children and pregnant women.
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]
Classification |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD