What Is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a component that is required for the growth and development of the body. It plays a vital role in immune functions. It is also required for reproduction and proper functioning of the kidneys, heart, and lungs. Not only vitamin A but all the types of vitamins are also required for performing some of the other activities in the body. An inadequate level of any vitamin will lead to deficiency and additional health issues. To understand the importance of vitamin A better, one needs to know all the benefits of vitamin A.
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin A?
Vitamin A serves as a major component in curing certain severe health conditions. They are:
-
Delayed Growth in Children - Kids deficient in vitamin A show stunted growth which could be easily reversed by proper supplementation.
-
Infection - Infections in the chest, throat, and abdomen can be cured with the help of vitamin A.
-
Night Blindness - It is a condition in which the individual has difficulties in seeing during the nighttime. One can overcome the problems associated with vision by vitamin A supplementation. A condition called Bitot's spots can occur in vitamin A deficiency. It leads to a situation where the individual will have difficulties in producing tears. The dryness of the eyes can also be solved.
-
Fertility Issues - People who lack vitamin A have difficulties in conceiving. This is due to the increased level of oxidative stress. Vitamin A is an essential antioxidant. It is also known to prevent the rate of miscarriages.
-
Dry Skin - The repair of cells is promoted by vitamin A. It also helps in finding the inflammatory conditions associated with skin disorders. Eczema is one such condition that can be completely cured with vitamin A medications like Alitretinoin. Follicular hyperkeratosis and bumpy skin can be treated.
-
Poor Healing of Wounds - Vitamin A is a nutrient that helps heal wounds after surgery or injury.
What Kinds of Vitamin A Are There?
Two types of vitamin A exist.
1. Preformed Vitamin A - Natural sources of preformed vitamin A, also known as retinol, include cattle, chicken, fish, eggs, and liver. Additionally, some dairy products and cereals have been enriched with vitamin A.
2. Provitamin A Carotenoids - Carotenoids are the pigments that give fruits and vegetables their yellow, orange, and red hues; they originate from plants. The human body gradually transforms the carotenoids in these fruits and vegetables into vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the most prevalent kind of carotenoid.
What Are the Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency?
The causes of vitamin A deficiency are:
-
Eating a diet that is poor in vitamin A.
-
Impaired absorption and storage of vitamin A.
-
Fat malabsorption.
-
Liver problems.
-
Pancreatic disorders.
-
Crohn's disease.
-
Celiac disease.
-
Cystic fibrosis.
-
Obstruction of the bile ducts.
What Are the Rich Sources of Vitamin A?
The following foods are rich in vitamin A:
-
Carrot.
-
Sweet potato.
-
Spinach.
-
Lettuce.
-
Bell peppers.
-
Broccoli.
-
Pink grapefruit.
-
Cantaloupe.
-
Squash.
-
Tuna.
-
Beef liver.
-
Cod liver.
-
Salman fish.
-
Butter.
-
Boiled egg.
-
Papaya.
-
Watermelon.
-
Mango.
All these foods are rich in carotenoids. Depending on the availability of these foods, one can choose them. There are no special requirements to consume them. Individuals can eat these foods according to their preference to enhance their vitamin A levels. There are no specific times also; they can eat it either before or after food. Increasing the level of fruit intake will move one towards a healthy life. They should also be aware that consuming too much vitamin A will result in a condition called hypervitaminosis. Therefore, it is necessary to consume all the vitamins at an ideal level rather than excessive supplementation.
What Is the Recommended Level of Vitamin A?
The daily requirement of vitamin A will vary depending on an individual's age, gender, and physical condition.
-
For infants less than three years of age, the daily requirement is 300 mcg.
-
For kids over eight years of age, the daily requirement is 400 mcg.
-
For children aged nine to 13 years, the requirement is 600 mcg per day.
-
Above the age of 15 years, the requirement varies for males and females. For males, it is 900 mcg daily, and for females, it is 700 mcg daily. Men require a higher intake of vitamin A than women.
-
For a pregnant woman, the daily requirement is 770 mcg every day, and it increases up to 1300 mcg during breastfeeding.
Who Is at Risk of Vitamin A Deficiency?
Certain categories of people are at higher risk of developing vitamin A deficiency.
-
Infants and children in underdeveloped countries.
-
Preterm infants.
-
People with cystic fibrosis.
-
Pregnant and lactating women.
What Kinds of Problems Can a Vitamin A Deficiency Cause?
A lack of vitamin A can result in several issues, such as:
-
Eye Difficulties: Vitamin A plays a vital role in many aspects of the eyes' operations. Blindness and loss of vision are possible.
-
Skin Problems: Dry, scaly, or itchy skin can result from a vitamin A deficiency.
-
Infertility: The reproductive system is greatly impacted by vitamin A. Infertility and difficulties conceiving can result from a vitamin A deficiency.
-
Growth Problems: Children who are deficient in vitamin A may experience delayed maturation and growth.
-
Respiratory Tract Infections: Immune system dysfunction may result from a vitamin A deficit.
What Are Some Ways to Avoid a Vitamin A Deficiency?
Eating a balanced diet rich in foods high in vitamin A is the best strategy to prevent vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is naturally present in numerous fruits and vegetables. If needed, one can consume a vitamin A supplement.
What Is Hypervitaminosis?
Hypervitaminosis is a condition that happens due to abnormally higher levels of the vitamin. If vitamin A is consumed at higher levels, it will result in toxicity. The various changes in the body due to vitamin toxicity are:
-
Nausea, vomiting, and headache.
-
Bleeding of the gums and several other gum diseases.
-
Excessive tiredness.
-
Nails become brittle.
-
Weight gain despite poor appetite.
-
Severe hair loss and changes in the texture of the hair. The hair becomes too oily.
-
Bones become weak, and pain in the bones will be present. In some patients, it might be accompanied by swelling.
-
Vision change is the prime factor that could be noticed in problems associated with vitamin A. The vision becomes blurred, and younger children experience double vision.
-
The skin might turn yellowish. This might be seen along with itching sensation and hypersensitivity to sunlight. In some patients, cracking of the skin is also seen.
-
In children, bulging of the fontanelle is seen. It might also be seen with the softening of the bones in the skull.
-
Severe liver problems might also occur.
What Are the Special Tips for Pregnant Women?
Pregnant women must be very careful about the consumption of vitamin A. If they consume too much vitamin A, it might end up in severe fetal problems. This is because the retinol component of vitamin A is associated with fetal development. Retinol is also available as creams for anti-aging. Some women might psychologically feel that they appear too old due to pregnancy. This might make them use these anti-aging creams. It is a definite contraindication for pregnant women as it is toxic. Only if the doctor informs them regarding the poor vitamin A levels, then they can find ways to supplement them with the help of foods or vitamin A medications.
What Is the Prognosis?
If one has a minor form of vitamin A insufficiency and no symptoms, the outcomes are excellent.
However, if vitamin A supplementation is not administered early enough, more severe types may result in irreversible blindness. In low-income nations, deaths frequently result from acute overall malnutrition combined with a deficiency in vitamin A.
Conclusion:
One vitamin that is crucial to the eyes is vitamin A. Although vitamin A deficiency is uncommon, it can lead to serious side effects like immune system disorders, skin conditions, and vision loss. Consuming foods high in vitamin A, such as dairy, dark green vegetables, and fruits and vegetables, is crucial. If necessary, individuals can also obtain vitamin A through dietary supplements.