Vitamin A Deficiency: Symptoms and Causes

Vitamin A Deficiency: Symptoms and Causes

We’ve all heard it since we were children: “Eat your veggies!” Most of us balked at the idea, but begrudgingly ate them anyway, never once believing that there was good logic behind that motherly directive. Vegetables are storehouses for various vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential for human health. One of these all-important compounds is vitamin A, and having a vitamin A deficiency can have severe health implications.

Symptoms Of Deficiency

So how do you know if you’re suffering from a vitamin A deficiency? There are several symptoms associated with this problem, mostly revolving around the eyes, skin and immune system.

The first of these eye symptoms is reduced night vision or night blindness. Night blindness is, simply put, a decrease in a person’s ability to see in low light situations. This particular symptom is also one of the first signs that you may be suffering from a vitamin A deficiency.

Another symptom is dry eyes. This usually follows after night blindness, as tear production is slowed down due to a buildup of a keratinized secretion that will eventually progress into erosion, and then destruction, of the cornea. If allowed to get to this point untreated, total blindness will eventually take place.

Rough