We’re frequently asked in our comment section about: what is the cause of vitamin a deficiency.
Merck Manual
Om of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness, which is caused by a disorder of the retina. Soon thereafter, the whites (conjunctiva) and corneas of the eyes may become dry and thick—a condition called xerophthalmia Keratomalacia Keratomalacia is an eye disorder that involves drying and clouding of the cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil) due to vitamin A deficiency in people with undernutrition.
1. Dry Skin
S a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for many bodily functions, including proper vision, a strong immune system, reproduction and good skin health.
On the other hand, the body converts carotenoids in plant foods, such as red, green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, into vitamin A While deficiency is rare in developed countries, many people in developing countries do not get enough vitamin A. Those at highest risk of deficiency are pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants and children.
Cystic fibrosis and chronic diarrhea may also increase your risk of deficiency.
What Is Vitamin A Deficiency?
Deficiency, or a lack, of vitamin A in your body happens because of a lack of sufficient amounts of vitamin A in your diet. Over time, a lack of vitamin A means that you may develop problems with vision and be less able to fight infections.
What Is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat soluble organic compound required for vision and for epithelial tissue health. It is converted in the body from dietary beta-carotene and 3 other carotenoids. Natural and synthetic compounds derived from retinol are known as retinoids and include:
Retinal
Retinaldehyde
Tretinoin
Alitretinoin
Isotretinoin
Etretinate
Acitretin
Newer synthetic compounds that act through the retinoid pathway include tazarotene, bexarotene and adapalene.
What Is Vitamin A Deficiency?
The normal range of vitamin A/retinol is 28–86 μg/dL. Vitamin A deficiency is defined as serum retinol levels of below 28 μg/dL.