Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient that plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision, boosting the immune system, and supporting proper growth and development. Despite its importance, Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a serious public health concern, especially in developing countries like India.

This blog explores everything you need to know about Vitamin A deficiency—its symptoms, causes, who’s at risk, how it is diagnosed, and tips for prevention.

What Is Vitamin A and Why Is It Important?

Vitamin A refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds including retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene. It supports many vital body functions, such as:

• Eye health and night vision

• Skin regeneration

• Immune system performance

• Cellular communication and growth

• Reproduction and embryonic development

Since the body does not produce Vitamin A naturally, we must obtain it from dietary sources or supplements.

Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency manifests in a range of physical and functional symptoms. Here’s a closer look at the signs shown in the Sparsh Diagnostic Centre infographic and others commonly associated with VAD:

1. Night Blindness

One of the earliest and most characteristic signs of Vitamin A deficiency is night blindness, or the inability to see in low-light conditions. This occurs due to impaired function of the retina’s photoreceptor cells, which depend on retinal (a form of Vitamin A).

2. Dry Hair and Skin

Vitamin A helps produce sebum, which keeps hair and skin moisturized. Its deficiency can result in:

• Dry, brittle hair

• Flaky skin

• Increased risk of eczema or dermatitis

3. Acne and Skin Infections

Vitamin A regulates cell turnover and inflammation, crucial for clear, healthy skin. Deficiency can:

• Aggravate acne

• Delay wound healing

• Increase bacterial skin infections

4. Hyperkeratosis

This is a condition where the skin becomes rough and thick due to excess keratin. Follicular hyperkeratosis, often seen as small, hard bumps, usually on the arms, thighs, or buttocks, is associated with Vitamin A deficiency.

5. Insomnia

Vitamin A plays a role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm and melatonin production. Deficiency can contribute to sleep disturbances and insomnia.

6. Fatigue and Weakness

Persistent tiredness is a subtle but common symptom. Vitamin A helps generate energy at the cellular level, so low levels can lead to:

• Muscle fatigue

• Reduced stamina

• Lethargy

7. Weight Loss

Chronic Vitamin A deficiency can result in unintended weight loss, particularly in children, due to poor appetite, malabsorption, or increased infection rates.

8. Immune Impairment

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the integrity of mucosal barriers and stimulating immune responses. Deficiency can lead to:

• Increased risk of respiratory infections

• Frequent colds and flu

• Delayed recovery from illness

9. Growth Impairment

In children, VAD can lead to stunted growth, poor bone development, and in severe cases, developmental delays.

Other Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency

Besides the above, advanced VAD can cause:

• Xerophthalmia: Dry eyes and corneal damage

• Bitot’s spots: Foamy, white patches on the conjunctiva

• Blindness: Especially in children, if untreated

• Anemia: Often associated with nutritional deficiencies

What Causes Vitamin A Deficiency?

1. Inadequate Dietary Intake

Low consumption of Vitamin A-rich foods, particularly in:

• Rural populations

• Low-income families

• Vegan diets without carotenoid-rich vegetables

2. Fat Malabsorption Disorders

Since Vitamin A is fat-soluble, it requires dietary fat and a healthy digestive system for absorption. Conditions that impair this include:

• Celiac disease

• Crohn’s disease

• Pancreatic insufficiency

• Liver disorders

3. Chronic Illness or Infection

Frequent infections like measles or respiratory diseases can increase Vitamin A demand and worsen deficiency.

4. Alcoholism

Heavy alcohol consumption depletes liver stores of Vitamin A and impairs its metabolism.

5. Lack of Breastfeeding

Breast milk is a vital source of Vitamin A for infants. Lack of exclusive breastfeeding can cause early-life deficiency.

Who Is at Risk of Vitamin A Deficiency?

• Children under 5 years

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Elderly adults

• People with gastrointestinal or liver disorders

• Malnourished individuals

• Populations in low-income or food-insecure areas

Diagnosis of Vitamin A Deficiency

1. Clinical Evaluation

Doctors assess symptoms like night blindness, Bitot’s spots, and xerophthalmia.

2. Blood Tests

• Serum retinol levels (Normal: 28–86 μg/dL)

• Retinol-binding protein (RBP)

• Inflammatory markers, as infection can affect readings

3. Ophthalmologic Exam

To detect early eye changes and prevent blindness.

Treatment for Vitamin A Deficiency

1. Dietary Correction

In mild cases, adjusting your diet can restore healthy levels.

Vitamin A-Rich Animal Sources (Preformed Vitamin A):

• Liver (chicken/beef)

• Eggs

• Fish oils (cod liver oil)

• Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter)

Provitamin A Carotenoid-Rich Plant Sources:

• Carrots

• Sweet potatoes

• Pumpkin

• Spinach and kale

• Mangoes and papayas

2. Vitamin A Supplements

For moderate to severe cases, supplements may be prescribed in doses like:

• Children: 100,000–200,000 IU

• Adults: 200,000 IU over 2–3 doses

These high doses are generally spaced over several days or weeks.

3. Treat Underlying Conditions

If deficiency is due to malabsorption, addressing the primary disease (e.g., celiac, liver disease) is necessary.

Complications of Untreated Vitamin A Deficiency

If left untreated, VAD can lead to:

• Permanent blindness

• Increased child mortality

• Severe infections

• Growth failure in children

• Reproductive issues

Prevention of Vitamin A Deficiency

1. Balanced Diet

Ensure daily intake of Vitamin A-rich foods from both animal and plant sources.

2. Fortified Foods

Choose food products fortified with Vitamin A, such as:

• Fortified milk

• Cooking oils

• Cereals

3. Public Health Measures

In many countries, Vitamin A supplementation programs are provided to children under 5.

In India, the National Health Mission offers:

• Biannual Vitamin A supplementation to children (9 months–5 years)

• Nutrition education for mothers

4. Breastfeeding Promotion

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months provides essential Vitamin A to infants.

5. Control of Infections

Vaccinations and hygiene practices reduce infections, which can deplete Vitamin A stores.

Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin A

RAE = Retinol Activity Equivalents

Is Too Much Vitamin A Dangerous?

Yes. Vitamin A is fat-soluble and can accumulate to toxic levels, especially with supplement overuse. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A include:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Liver damage

• Bone thinning

• Blurred vision

• Headaches

Always take supplements under medical guidance.

Vitamin A deficiency is preventable, diagnosable, and treatable. The key lies in awareness, balanced nutrition, timely diagnosis, and public health initiatives.

Whether you are a parent, student, or elderly adult, understanding the importance of Vitamin A can help you take proactive steps to safeguard your health—especially your eyes, skin, and immunity.

Call to Action:

Worried about symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, or fatigue? Get your Vitamin A levels tested today at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre. We offer comprehensive blood testing and personalized nutritional advice. Book a home collection now—because early detection saves sight.