Vitamin A deficiency

Common symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency

One of the most well-known symptoms of vitamin A deficiency is impaired vision in dark environments, often called night blindness. Vitamin A is needed to produce rhodopsin, a pigment in the eye necessary for seeing in low light. With a deficiency, you may notice that your vision worsens at dusk and in the dark.

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a condition called xerophthalmia, where the eyes become extremely dry and sensitive. If left untreated, this can cause corneal ulcers and even blindness. Another early sign is Bitot’s spots, white, foamy patches that can develop on the whites of the eyes.

Vitamin A plays an important role in skin regeneration. A deficiency can cause dry, flaky skin prone to cracks and infections. Conditions such as hyperkeratosis, where the skin thickens and becomes rough, can also occur with vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin A strengthens the immune system by supporting the production of white blood cells, which help fight infections. With vitamin A deficiency, the body becomes more susceptible to infections, particularly in the respiratory and digestive systems, leading to more frequent and prolonged illnesses.

Since vitamin A is important for cell growth and repair, a deficiency can cause wounds to heal more slowly than normal. It can also increase the risk of skin infections after injuries.

Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and development in children. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to stunted physical growth, both in terms of height and weight.

Causes of Vitamin A deficiency

• Poor diet – this is more common in low-income countries with limited access to foods that contain the vitamin. In more developed countries, it is usually due to an insufficiently varied diet.
• Malabsorption – people with diseases that affect fat absorption in the intestines, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, may have difficulty absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A.
• Liver problems – since vitamin A is stored in the liver, diseases that affect liver function can contribute to vitamin A deficiency.
• Alcoholism – chronic high alcohol consumption can reduce the liver’s ability to store and release vitamin A.

How to prevent Vitamin A deficiency

Preventing vitamin A deficiency simply involves ensuring sufficient intake of the vitamin through diet. The best sources of vitamin A include:

1. Animal foods such as liver, cod liver oil, eggs, and fortified dairy products.
2. Vegetables and fruits that contain carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Examples include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and mango.

Although vitamin A deficiency is rare in Sweden, certain groups may be at higher risk, including people with intestinal diseases affecting fat absorption, pregnant and breastfeeding women with high nutritional needs, children and the elderly with limited dietary variety, as well as alcohol abusers.

Vitamin A deficiency is treated by increasing the intake of vitamin A-rich foods, such as liver, eggs, and vegetables with beta-carotene, or by taking vitamin A supplements under medical supervision to avoid toxicity. Here you can read more about Vitamin A through supplements and toxicity.

How to monitor your Vitamin A levels

Do the symptoms above apply to you? It may be helpful to undergo a blood test to check your vitamin A levels. Learn more about vitamin A testing here.