Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that helps to improve eyesight, immunity, skin, and normal growth. Though a balanced diet supplies adequate amounts of this vitamin, it can become deficient if the body is not able to obtain or absorb enough quantities of vitamin A.
What Is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that helps maintain good eyesight, and immunity while improving the condition of the skin and other tissues. It comes in two forms, namely preformed vitamin A and provitamin A which is also known as carotenoids. Preformed vitamin A is in animal-sourced foods, whereas carotenoids are in plants.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that may arise when deficient in vitamin A are:
Poor vision in dim or dark light
Dryness in eyes
Dry or rough skin
Susceptibility to infections
Slow healing of wounds
Poor growth in children
Severe deficiency of this vitamin may result in eye complications. However, these symptoms may also indicate other diseases; thus, it is important to consult a doctor upon noticing them.
Causes
The most evident cause of vitamin A deficiency is a lack of the nutrient in the diet. The body may also be unable to absorb fat and fat-soluble nutrients.
Malabsorption of nutrients may occur due to certain conditions like pancreatic diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, or hepatitis. The demand for vitamin A may also increase during pregnancy and childhood.
Foods That Are High In Vitamin A
The following foods can help one to get adequate supplies of vitamin A:
Carrots
Sweet potatoes
Pumpkin
Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
Mangoes
Papayas
Eggs
Milk products
Fish
Liver
Plant-based foods supply carotenoids while animal products can provide directly vitamin A.
Ways To Prevent Vitamin A Deficiency
The most effective way to prevent vitamin A deficiency is by having a balanced diet. Eating a variety of foods such as fruits, green leafy vegetables and other foods mentioned above can help. One can also include eggs, dairy products, fish, and liver in their diet.
Supplements should not be taken without a doctor’s advice due to possible toxicity of vitamin A. A nutritionist or a doctor can recommend a supplement or a diet that can help increase the amount of this nutrient in the body.