Vitamin A Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin A due to malnutrition, malabsorption, or dietary lack. It is manifested with reduced night vision, night blindness, and xerophthalmia.

Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency

The following features are indicative of Vitamin A Deficiency:
  • night blindness
  • xerophthalmia
  • bitot's spots
  • imtiaz's sign
It is possible that Vitamin A Deficiency shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency

The following are the most common causes of Vitamin A Deficiency:
  • iron deficiency
  • fibrosis
  • pancreatic insufficiency
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • small-bowel bypass surgery

Risk Factors for Vitamin A Deficiency

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Vitamin A Deficiency:
  • children less than 5 years
  • undernutrition
  • females
  • measles

Prevention of Vitamin A Deficiency

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Vitamin A Deficiency. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • intake of vitamin A

Occurrence of Vitamin A Deficiency

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Vitamin A Deficiency cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Common between 1 - 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Vitamin A Deficiency can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Vitamin A Deficiency can occur in any gender.

Complications of Vitamin A Deficiency if untreated

Yes, Vitamin A Deficiency causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Vitamin A Deficiency is left untreated:
  • night blindness
  • xerophthalmia
  • anemia
  • diarrhea
  • measles

Self-care for Vitamin A Deficiency

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Vitamin A Deficiency:
  • Food fortification: Margarine and oil are the ideal food vehicles for vitamin A fortification
  • Dietary diversification: It includes consumption of vitamin A-rich foods of animal origin

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 5/02/2020.
This page provides information for Vitamin A Deficiency.

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