Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for maintaining good vision, healthy skin, and a strong immune system. It is found in two forms: preformed vitamin A (retinol) and provitamin A carotenoids (beta-carotene). Preformed vitamin A is obtained from animal sources like liver, fish, dairy products, and eggs, whereas provitamin A carotenoids are found in plant-based foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and apricots.

Vitamin A deficiency occurs when the body doesn't receive enough of this essential nutrient. It primarily affects individuals in developing countries, especially in areas where malnutrition is prevalent. Common causes include a diet lacking in vitamin A-rich foods, poor absorption of vitamin A due to digestive disorders, and certain medical conditions.

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a range of health issues and impairments, particularly related to vision. Keep reading as we list the many signs of a vitamin A deficiency and also share tips to overcome it.

Some common signs of vitamin A deficiency are:

  1. Difficulty adjusting to dim light or experiencing poor vision in low-light conditions.
  2. Dry, rough, or scaly skin. The skin loses moisture, becoming dry and flaky.
  3. White or greyish spots on the eyes' conjunctiva (membrane covering the whites of the eyes).
  4. Ulceration of the outermost layer of the eye (cornea), leading to eye redness, pain, and vision problems.
  5. A severe eye condition where the eyes become dry, inflamed, and susceptible to infections. It can cause progressive damage and even blindness if left untreated.
  6. Vitamin A deficiency weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Tips to help cure vitamin A deficiency:

  1. Include foods such as liver, fish, dairy products, eggs, and orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin in your diet.
  2. Incorporate leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens into your meals as they are good sources of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.
  3. Include fruits such as mangoes, apricots, and oranges, which are rich in beta-carotene and can help increase your vitamin A levels.
  4. Look for fortified cereals, milk, and other food products that are enriched with vitamin A to help meet your daily requirements.
  5. If you're unable to meet your vitamin A needs through your diet alone, consider taking a vitamin A supplement under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
  6. Vitamin A can be destroyed by heat, so ensure proper cooking methods to retain its content in foods. Steaming or stir-frying vegetables lightly can help preserve the nutrients.
  7. Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with the absorption and utilisation of vitamin A, so limit your alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether.
  8. Smoking has been shown to decrease vitamin A levels, so quitting smoking can help maintain optimal vitamin A levels in your body.
  9. Some medications, such as certain acne medications, can interfere with the absorption and utilisation of vitamin A. Consult your doctor about potential vitamin A deficiencies caused by medication.

If you suspect a vitamin A deficiency, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may involve vitamin A supplementation, dietary changes, or addressing the underlying causes.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.