Introduction
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining vision, immune function, reproduction, and skin health. Despite its importance, many people suffer from Vitamin A deficiency without realizing it, as the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other health conditions. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to serious complications if left unaddressed. Below are ten symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency that are often ignored.
1. Night Blindness
One of the earliest and most common signs of Vitamin A deficiency is difficulty seeing in low-light conditions, also known as night blindness. This occurs because Vitamin A is essential for producing rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that helps the eyes adapt to darkness. If untreated, night blindness can progress to complete vision loss.
2. Dry Eyes (Xerophthalmia)
Chronic dryness and irritation in the eyes may indicate a lack of Vitamin A. Over time, this condition, known as xerophthalmia, can cause the cornea to become thick and develop ulcers, leading to blindness if left untreated.
3. Frequent Infections
Vitamin A plays a key role in strengthening the immune system. A deficiency can lead to frequent colds, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections due to weakened immunity. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to these recurrent illnesses.