Vitamin A Deficiency

Although rare in developed countries, vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness in developing areas of the world. Symptoms that may occur as a result of a deficiency include diarrhea, night blindness, and pneumonia. Certain people appear to be at a higher risk for developing deficiency of vitamin A, including those with diabetes, liver disease, or cystic fibrosis.

Vitamin A Information

An Overview of Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries. However, it is a leading cause of blindness in developing areas of the world, especially in malnourished children. Fortunately, the condition is easily treated.

Possible Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency

Signs that a person may be deficient in vitamin A include:

Night blindness, which can progress to complete blindness
A weak immune system (increasing the susceptibility to infections)
Pneumonia
Diarrhea
Goose bump-like appearance of the skin
Slow growth
Slow bone development
Decreased chance of surviving serious illnesses
Birth defects.

Vitamin A Deficiency: Who's At Risk?

Healthy people in developed countries have a low risk for vitamin A deficiency. This vitamin is found in a wide variety of foods, including animal and plant products. However, certain groups of people seem to have a higher risk of developing a deficiency, including people with the following conditions:

Abetalipoproteinemia
Protein deficiency
Diabetes
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Liver disease
Pancreatic disease
Intestinal disease (such as Crohn's disease)
Cystic fibrosis.

(Vitamin A Deficiency Continued: Page 2)