Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for many bodily functions, including good vision, a strong immune system, reproduction, and good skin health.
There are two types of vitamin A in foods: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A.
Preformed vitamin A also known as retinol is mostly found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
On the other hand, the body converts carotenoids found in plant foods (red, green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables) into vitamin A.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants and children are at greatest risk of deficiency. Cystic fibrosis and chronic diarrhea can also increase the risk of deficiency.
Here are 8 signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency.
Dry skin
Vitamin A is important for the creation and repair of skin cells. It also helps fight inflammation due to certain skin problems.
Eczema and other skin problems can be caused by not getting enough vitamin A from your daily diet.
Eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Alitretinoin, a prescription drug with vitamin A activity, has been shown to be effective in treating eczema in several clinical trials.
In one 12-week study in people with chronic eczema who took 10 to 40 mg of alitretinoin per day, up to 53% saw a reduction in symptoms.1
Remember that dry skin can have many causes, but chronic vitamin A deficiency can be one.
Vitamin A plays an important role in skin regeneration and helps fight inflammation. A deficiency of this nutrient can lead to inflammatory skin conditions.
Skin supplements recommended by specialists:
Dry eyes
Eye problems are one of the most common problems associated with vitamin A deficiency.
In extreme cases, not getting enough vitamin A can lead to complete blindness.
Dry eyes or inability to produce tears is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency.
Supplementing your daily diet with vitamin A can improve your well-being.
One study found that high-dose vitamin A reduced the prevalence of dry eye 63% among infants and children who received supplements for 16 months.2
Vitamin A deficiency can cause dry eyes, blindness or weakening of the cornea. One of the first signs of deficiency is often an inability to produce tears.
Infertility, difficulty getting pregnant
Vitamin A is essential for both male and female reproduction, as well as for the proper development of infants.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, vitamin A deficiency may be one of the reasons. Vitamin A deficiency can cause infertility in both men and women.
Research shows that female rats deficient in vitamin A have difficulty conceiving and may have embryos with birth defects.3
Other studies suggest that infertile men may have a higher need for antioxidants due to increased oxidative stress in their bodies. Vitamin A is one of the nutrients that act as an antioxidant in the body.
Vitamin A deficiency is also associated with miscarriages.
A study that analyzed the blood levels of various nutrients in women who had experienced recurrent miscarriages found that they had low levels of vitamin A.4
Both men and women who do not get enough vitamin A can have fertility problems. Low levels of vitamin A can also cause miscarriages or birth defects in expectant parents.
Slowed growth
Children who do not get enough vitamin A may experience stunted growth. This is because vitamin A is essential for the proper development of the human body.
Several studies have shown that vitamin A supplementation alone or with other nutrients can improve growth. Most of these studies were conducted with children in developing countries.5
In fact, an Indonesian study of more than 1,000 children found that those with vitamin A deficiency who took high-dose supplements for four months grew 0.39 cm more than children who took a placebo.6
However, a review of studies found that vitamin A supplementation with other nutrients may have a greater effect on growth than vitamin A supplementation alone.
Vitamin A deficiency can cause stunted growth in children. Supplementing vitamin A with other nutrients can improve growth more than supplementing with vitamin A alone.
Infections
Frequent infections, especially in the throat or chest, can be a sign of vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin A supplements may help with respiratory infections, but research results are mixed.
A study in children in Ecuador found that underweight children who took 10,000 IU of vitamin A per week had fewer respiratory infections than those who took a placebo.7
On the other hand, a review of studies in children found that vitamin A supplements may increase the risk of developing throat and chest infections 8%.
Additionally, high blood levels of the provitamin A carotenoid beta-carotene may protect against respiratory infections, according to one study in the elderly.
Vitamin A supplements may protect underweight children against infections, but may increase the risk of infection in other groups. Adults with high blood levels of vitamin A may have fewer throat and chest infections.
Poor wound healing
Wounds that do not heal well after trauma or surgery may be associated with low vitamin A levels.
This is because vitamin A stimulates the production of collagen, an important component of healthy skin. Research shows that both oral and topical vitamin A can strengthen the skin.
A study in rats showed that oral vitamin A improved collagen production.
Additional studies in rats showed that treating the skin with topical vitamin A appeared to protect against wounds associated with diabetes.
Human studies show similar results. Older men who treated their wounds with topical vitamin A had a 50% reduction in wound size compared to men who did not use the cream.8
Oral and topical forms of vitamin A can promote wound healing.
Acne
Because vitamin A promotes skin development and fights inflammation, it can help prevent or treat acne.
Several studies have linked low levels of vitamin A to the presence of acne.
In one study of 200 adults, vitamin A levels were 80 micrograms lower in people who had acne than in those who did not.
Vitamin A can help reduce acne. Research shows that creams containing vitamin A can reduce the number of acne lesions 50%.9
The most well-known form of oral vitamin A used to treat acne is isotretinoin. This drug can be very effective in treating acne, but it can have many side effects, including mood changes and birth defects.
Acne has been linked to low vitamin A levels. Both oral and topical forms of vitamin A are often effective in treating acne, but can have unwanted side effects.
Vitamin A overdose
Vitamin A is valuable for overall health. But too much of it can be dangerous.
Hypervitaminosis A, or vitamin A toxicity, usually occurs when high doses of supplements are taken over a long period of time. People rarely get too much vitamin A from their daily diet alone.
Excess vitamin A is stored in the liver and can cause toxicity and problematic symptoms such as vision changes, dry and rough skin, mouth ulcers and confusion.
Pregnant women should be especially careful not to consume too much vitamin A to avoid possible birth defects.
Always check with your healthcare provider before taking vitamin A supplements.
People with certain medical conditions may need higher levels of vitamin A. However, most healthy adults need 700-900 mcg per day.
Vitamin A toxicity usually occurs from taking too many vitamin A supplements. This can cause serious problems, including vision changes and mouth ulcers.
It's important
Too little vitamin A can cause skin inflammation, infertility, stunted growth and respiratory infections.
People with wounds and acne may have lower levels of vitamin A in their blood and may benefit from higher doses of vitamin A.
Vitamin A is found in meat, milk and eggs, as well as in red, orange, yellow and green plant foods. To make sure you get enough vitamin A, eat a variety of these foods.
If you suspect you have a vitamin A deficiency, talk to your doctor or health care provider. Correcting vitamin A deficiency can be simple with the right foods and supplements.
It is important to rememberthat everyone's health is individual and there is no common recipe for everyone!
So, if you want to know what nutrients your body might be lacking right now, health professionals recommend a guide – "Your Day".
- In time, pay attention to the signals sent by your well-being
- Replenish the body with natural minerals, vitamins and nutrients necessary for health.
- Enjoy energy and good mood everyday!
