Lack of vitamin A (hypovitaminosis) provokes a malfunction of the normal functioning of the human body. Retinol is a fat-soluble substance, and therefore can only be synthesized in animal cells. Vitamin A enters the body with animal products. This vitamin provides:
protection of the body from free radicals;
support of the body’s defenses;
growth and reproduction;
synthesis of sex hormones;
exchange of organic compounds;
color vision support;
There is evidence that taking vitamin A enhances the effect of insulin by maintaining a stable concentration of sugar in the blood.
Causes of vitamin A deficiency
As a rule, the lack of this vitamin is caused by adherence to strict diets and irrational nutrition. In childhood, the cause of this phenomenon can be diathesis. Beriberi can occur due to a malfunction in the normal functioning of internal organs.
With primary vitamin A deficiency, dry eye syndrome develops, and this is a serious danger of complete blindness. Lack of vitamin A and E is the main cause of premature aging. Secondary vitamin A deficiency occurs due to a failure of its digestibility, cirrhosis of the liver, obstruction of the biliary tract, pancreatic insufficiency and other pathologies. Zinc deficiency can also trigger vitamin A deficiency.
The main causes of vitamin A deficiency:
exogenous, caused by the influence of external adverse factors;
endogenous, caused by a malfunction in the functioning of the body.
As a rule, the most common cause of vitamin A deficiency is malnutrition.
Types of vitamin A deficiency
Primary hypovitaminosis of fat–soluble vitamin A – occurs due to improper nutrition. This phenomenon is especially common in the eastern regions of Asia.
Secondary hypovitaminosis of fat–soluble vitamin A is a consequence of a violation of the normal functioning of the body.
Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency
The symptoms of the disease can manifest themselves differently, but most often the loss of twilight vision is recorded. After that, there is a violation in the process of keratinization of the mucous membranes (oral cavity) and skin.
For adolescents, during puberty, vitamin A deficiency may be observed, manifested by excessive keratinization, peeling and dry skin.
In adult patients with retinol deficiency , it is noted:
erectile dysfunction;
formation of mucous lumps in the corners of the eyes and redness of the eyelids;
lacrimation;
premature formation of wrinkles and aging of the skin;
increased keratinization of the skin;
fragility of nail plates;
the appearance of dandruff on the background of hair loss.
Diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency
In case of vitamin A deficiency, the diagnostic program is based on eye examination (biomicroscopy), blood examination (serum vitamin A or carotene content). Additionally, the dark adaptation of the patient’s vision is being studied, since she suffers from this condition.
Treatment of vitamin A deficiency
The deficiency of this vitamin in the body is replenished with the use of pharmacy products. To do this, drugs containing vitamin A are prescribed. The duration of treatment should be at least two weeks.
You can take therapeutic doses of retinol only under the supervision of a doctor. The preventive dose is prescribed depending on the characteristics of the human body and the age of the patient.
