6 Signs that the body lacks vitamin A that you rarely understand

Jakarta –

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in many body functions, including vision, the immune system, and skin and reproductive health.

Although vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries, it is still a major concern in developing countries, where many people, especially vulnerable groups, do not get enough intake.

Vitamin A deficiency can cause a number of serious health problems, from vision problems to problems in growth and reproduction.

Therefore, a deeper understanding of the signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency is important to increase awareness and necessary interventions. The following are symptoms that may indicate a vitamin A deficiency, listed from Health line.

1. Dry skin

Vitamin A is essential for the formation and repair of skin cells. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause a number of skin problems, including eczema, which is characterized by dry, itchy and inflamed skin.

Several clinical studies show that alitretinoin, a drug that contains vitamin A activity, is effective in treating eczema. In a 12-week study, chronic eczema sufferers who took 10-40 milligrams of alitretinoin per day experienced a reduction in symptoms of up to 53 percent.

Although dry skin can be caused by various factors, a prolonged deficiency of vitamin A is one possible cause.

2. Dry eyes

Vision problems, including dry eyes, are often an early sign of vitamin A deficiency.

In extreme cases, this deficiency can cause total blindness or corneal damage.

Children, especially in countries with a diet low in vitamin A such as India, Africa and Southeast Asia, are particularly susceptible to this condition. Vitamin A supplementation has been proven to improve this problem.

A study found that taking high doses of vitamin A could reduce the incidence of dry eyes by 63 percent among infants and children who took supplements for 16 months.

3. Infertility and difficulty getting pregnant

Vitamin A is important for male and female reproductive health and proper development in infants.

If you are having trouble getting pregnant, vitamin A deficiency could be one of the reasons.

Research shows that female mice deficient in vitamin A have difficulty becoming pregnant and are at risk of giving birth to embryos with birth defects.

In addition, men who are inconvenient may have a higher need for antioxidants, including vitamin A, due to higher oxidative stress in their bodies.

Vitamin A deficiency may also increase the risk of miscarriage. A study showed that women with a history of chronic abortion had low levels of vitamin A in their blood.

4. Growth disorders

Children with a deficiency of vitamin A are at risk of stunted growth, as this vitamin is essential for optimal body development.

Research shows that vitamin A supplements, either as an intervention alone or together with other nutrients, can promote growth.

For example, a study from Indonesia showed that vitamin A-deficient children who received high-dose supplements for four months grew 0.15 inches (0.39 centimeters) taller than children who received a placebo.

However, a review of studies suggests that combining vitamin A supplementation with other nutrients may have a greater effect on growth.

5. Nose and chest infections

A high incidence of throat or chest infections can be a sign of vitamin A deficiency.

Research shows that vitamin A supplements can help treat respiratory tract infections. In a study in Ecuador, overweight children who received 10,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin A per week had fewer respiratory infections compared to a group that received a placebo.

However, another study showed that vitamin A supplementation in children can increase the risk of throat and chest infections by 8 percent, so it is recommended that supplements be given only to those who are severely deficient.

6. Oil

Vitamin A plays a role in skin development and can also help prevent or treat acne.

Some studies have linked low levels of vitamin A to an increased risk of acne. In one study, vitamin A levels in individuals with acne were more than 80 micrograms lower than those without acne.

Treatment of acne with vitamin A, both topically and orally, shows good results, with research showing that creams containing vitamin A can reduce the number of acne lesions by up to 50 percent.

Isotretinoin, a type of oral vitamin A, has been shown to be very effective in treating acne, although there are some side effects to be aware of, including mood swings and the risk of birth defects.

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