Vitamin A Deficiency (Hypovitaminosis A)
Vitamin A deficiency is a common nutritional disorder that mainly affects eyes, skin, and immunity. It is more common in children, malnourished individuals, and people with chronic diseases or malabsorption.
1. Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency
Early Symptoms
Night blindness (Nyctalopia) – difficulty seeing in dim light
Dry eyes (Xerophthalmia)
Dry skin and rough skin texture
Frequent infections due to reduced immunity
Poor wound healing
Eye Signs (Classical)
Bitot spots – foamy white patches on conjunctiva
Conjunctival dryness
Corneal dryness
Severe Symptoms
Keratomalacia (softening of cornea)
Corneal ulceration
Permanent blindness if untreated
Other Systemic Symptoms
Growth retardation in children
Hair dryness and loss
Increased respiratory and gastrointestinal infections
2. Causes / Risk Factors
Malnutrition or poor diet
Fat malabsorption
Chronic pancreatitis
Celiac disease
Liver disease
Chronic diarrhea
Post-bariatric surgery
Alcoholism
Protein-energy malnutrition in children
3. Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on:
Clinical signs (night blindness, Bitot spots)
Serum Vitamin A level
Dietary history
Eye examination
4. Treatment of Vitamin A Deficiency
Medical Treatment (WHO Recommendation)
Adults
Vitamin A 200,000 IU orally
Repeat after 24 hours
Third dose after 2 weeks
Children (WHO dosing)
6–11 months: 100,000 IU
≥12 months: 200,000 IU
Severe ocular involvement may require urgent ophthalmologic management.
5. Dietary Sources of Vitamin A
Animal Sources (Retinol)
Liver
Egg yolk
Milk and dairy products
Fish liver oil
Plant Sources (Beta-carotene)
Carrot
Spinach
Sweet potato
Mango
Papaya
Pumpkin
Green leafy vegetables
6. Prevention
Balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables and fruits
Vitamin A supplementation programs for children
Early treatment of malnutrition
Health education in communities
✅ Clinical Tip:
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