VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY

General Information

DEFINITION--Insufficient intake or absorption of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin. This deficiency is rare in the U.S. and is usually due to failure of the intestine to absorb enough of the vitamin. Synthetic vitamin A compounds (retinoids) are being used for some skin conditions such as acne.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Total body tissues.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Poor night vision.
• Dry, inflamed eyes.
• Rough skin.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Decreased taste and smell.
• Poor wound healing.
• Anemia.
• Lowered resistance to infection.
• Growth retardation in children.
• Severe deficiency can cause weak bones and teeth, corneal ulcers and corneal damage that can lead to blindness.

CAUSES

• Insufficient dietary intake of vitamin A.
• Poor absorption of vitamin A.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Cystic fibrosis.
• Celiac disease; sprue.
• Operations on the pancreas.
• Cirrhosis of the liver.
• Bile duct obstruction.
• Use of certain lipid-lowering drugs.
• Dietary deficiency (common in some developing countries) occurs only in people who have an exceptionally poor diet.
• Alcoholism; intravenous drug abuse.
• Fad diets.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Proper nutrition.
• Vitamin supplements if needed.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies of vitamin A levels and other medical tests to determine any underlying disorder or other cause for the symptoms.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--If untreated, eye problems including blindness, infections and death.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with an adequate diet, vitamin A supplements, and treatment for any underlying disease.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Avoid alcohol. If you need help with stopping, ask your doctor, or contact Alcoholics Anonymous.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe vitamin A tablets or injections.

ACTIVITY--Don't drive at night if you have night vision problems.

DIET--Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin A--even if you take vitamin A supplements. Dietary sources include: liver, fish-lever oils, egg yolk, milk and dairy products, margarine, dark green vegetables and yellow vegetable and fruits.

Call Your Doctor If

• You or your child have symptoms of vitamin A deficiency.
• Symptoms don't improve in 1 month, despite treatment.