Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 7: In today’s fast-paced world, many tend to overlook subtle signs the body gives when it is lacking essential nutrients. Among them, Vitamin A deficiency is one that silently chips away at one's health, often manifesting through symptoms mistaken for common ailments—ranging from acne and skin dryness to night blindness.

Vitamin A, an essential micronutrient, is not produced by the human body and must be obtained through diet. It is crucial for maintaining good vision, immune function, skin health, and overall development. Medical experts stress the importance of its timely intake, warning that even a mild deficiency can lead to severe consequences over time.

Two Forms of Vitamin A

According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin A exists in two primary forms:

• Preformed Vitamin A: Found in animal sources like organ meat, seafood, and dairy.

• Provitamin A carotenoids: Plant-based pigments—such as beta-carotene—found in fruits and vegetables, which the body converts into usable Vitamin A.

Immune System & Eye Health at Stake

Medical journals, including the National Library of Medicine, highlight Vitamin A's crucial role in immune regulation and respiratory health. It aids in preventing infections like pneumonia, measles, and diarrhea—conditions that are especially dangerous for children.

Experts explain that the highest concentration of Vitamin A is found in the eyes, particularly the retina, where it helps form rhodopsin, a pigment essential for low-light vision. Deficiency in Vitamin A may lead to conditions like:

• Night blindness: Difficulty seeing in dim light.

• Bitot’s spots: Foamy, dry patches on the conjunctiva.

• Xerophthalmia (dry eyes): A severe condition that can lead to permanent blindness if untreated.

Vital for Skin, Growth, and Reproduction

The Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology points out that Vitamin A helps maintain healthy epithelial tissues and skin hydration. Its deficiency is often linked to dryness, inflammation, and skin flakiness.

Further, Vitamin A and its active form—retinoic acid—play a key role in embryonic development and reproductive health, supporting the proper growth of vital organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Symptoms to Watch For

Doctors advise the public to remain alert for signs of Vitamin A deficiency, which may include:

• Difficulty seeing in the dark

• Frequent respiratory infections

• Delayed wound healing

• Dry skin and eyes

• Reproductive health concerns

Health experts urge the inclusion of Vitamin A-rich foods in daily diets, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, liver, and dairy products. They also caution against consuming these foods at inappropriate times, as it could affect nutrient absorption.

As one local nutritionist put it, “The body speaks, but it’s up to us to listen. Ignoring signs of deficiency today could mean dealing with irreversible damage tomorrow.”

Public health officials continue to advocate for awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas where dietary imbalances and nutrient deficiencies remain prevalent.