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Alternative Names: Retinol deficiency.
This disease is most often seen in the elderly and poor in the U.S. In the rest of the world where vitamin deficiencies are more common, it is one of the most common causes of blindness.
Vitamin A is essential for innumerable biological functions - night and color vision, wound healing, bone and tooth formation, healthy skin, normal growth, reproductive and adrenal function, cartilage development, mucous membranes/secretions and lactation. Further, it may also be a factor in preventing cancers. It is important to the immune function, and has been shown to have antiviral properties.
Causes & Development
Vitamin A deficiency is usually due to poor diet. At highest risk are the elderly and the poor, and it is very common in parts of the world where poor nutrition is endemic. It also tends to occur in patients with problems absorbing nutrients from the intestine, or in those who abuse mineral laxatives.
Signs & Symptoms
The most common symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are night blindness and xerophthalmia (drying and inflammation of the conjuctiva of the eye). Night blindness (difficulty seeing at night or in dim light) may be the first symptom of Vitamin A Deficiency. Other symptoms include dry eye, loss of taste, poor wound healing, and the formation of small, white spots in the inner eyelids.
Diagnosis & Tests
Blood tests are available to check vitamin A levels.
Complications
Eventually, vitamin A-deficient patients develop problems with the cornea (the clear part of the eye) and may even become blind. Low vitamin A has for some time been associated with increased infection rate.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Vitamin A Requirement:
Conditions that suggest Vitamin A Requirement: | | | | | Digestion |  Diarrhea |
Infections |
 Conjunctivitis | Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in people with chronic conjunctivitis. It is unknown whether vitamin A supplementation can prevent conjunctivitis or help people who already have the condition. [Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1976;46: pp.454-7 {in German}] |
Cystitis, Bacterial bladder Infection| | Retinoic acid (an analogue of vitamin A) is needed for the differentiation of basal cells into mucus epithelial cells. A deficiency results in keratinization of mucus membranes that line the respiratory tract, intestines, urinary tract and epithelium of the eye. This in turn decreases the protective barrier role played by these membranes, resulting in an increased number of infections and other pathologies. |
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Musculo-Skeletal |
Osteoporosis - Osteopenia |
Organ Health |
Night Blindness| | Night blindness is commonly caused by a deficiency in vitamin A. It is considered one of the first indicators of vitamin A deficiency. |
Dry Eye
Blepharitis |
Respiratory |
Pneumonia
Acute Bronchitis| | See the link between Cystitis and Vitamin A Deficiency. |
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Skin-Hair-Nails |
Adult Acne |
Tumors, Malignant |
Prostate Cancer| | Carotene compounds called lycopenes, which are found in high amounts in tomatoes, have been shown to protect against prostate cancer. Several studies have shown that males consuming tomato sauce receive some protection against cancer. |
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Uro-Genital |
Female Infertility| | Vitamin A is involved in steroid hormone synthesis and cell differentiation. It is important for healthy growth, normal reproduction and lactation. |
Motherhood Issues| | See link between Female Infertility and Vitamin A Deficiency. |
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)| | One study found serum retinol levels (a measure of vitamin A levels) to be significantly lower in women with menorrhagia than in healthy controls. 92% of those with lower levels experienced either complete relief or significant improvement after 25,000 IU of vitamin A was taken twice per day for 15 days. |
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Risk factors for Vitamin A Requirement: | | | | | Diet | Consequences of Poor Diet| | A healthy diet will help prevent the complications of vitamin A deficiency. Foods rich in vitamin A include milk, cheese, liver, kidney, cod oil, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, and most leafy green vegetables. |
Protein Deficiency |
Digestion |
Digestive Enzyme Need| | 90% of all dietary retinol is in the form retinyl palmitate which requires action by pancreatic enzymes before it can be absorbed. |
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Nutrients |
Zinc Requirement| | A deficiency of protein or zinc can reduce the amount of vitamin A released from the liver. |
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Supplements and Medications |
Counter-indicators:
 Multiple vitamin use
Some/much vitamin A supplementation |
Symptoms - Gas-Int - General |
Having had a small bowel resection |
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Vitamin A Requirement can lead to: | | | | | Tumors, Malignant | Cancer, General| | Analogues of vitamin A are known as retinoids. Numerous studies have shown that retinoid deficiency enhances the risk of cancer in humans. Retinoids are being used in humans to treat cancers (particularly skin, lung, bladder, cervical or breast) which involve epithelial tissues. Vitamin A can be used to both treat and prevent cancers and there have been a number of studies showing beta carotene's protective effects against cancer. |
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Uro-Genital |
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)| | One study found serum retinol levels (a measure of vitamin A levels) to be significantly lower in women with menorrhagia than in healthy controls. 92% of those with lower levels experienced either complete relief or significant improvement after 25,000 IU of vitamin A was taken twice per day for 15 days. |
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Recommendations and treatments for Vitamin A Requirement: | | | | | Vitamins |  Vitamin A| | If detected early, treat with 30,000 IU of vitamin A daily for a week. In cases of advanced Vitamin A Deficiency, 20,000 IU of vitamin A per kg of body weight is given every day for at least 5 days. Treatment needs to be started as soon as possible. If it is delayed too long, problems may become permanent. |
 Vitamin D |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link | | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link | | | Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
Antiviral
Any of a number of herbs, drugs or agents capable of destroying viruses or inhibiting their growth or multiplication until the body is capable of destroying the virus itself. Most antiviral agents are members of the antimetabolite family.
Beta-Carotene (Beta Carotene)
The most abundant of the carotenoids, beta-carotene has strong provitamin A activity and is a stronger antioxidant than vitamin A. It is widely accepted today as a cancer preventative. It is found in leafy green and yellow vegetables, often missing in children's diets. Beta-Carotene is believed to be a superior source of Vitamin A because it is readily converted into a more active form of the substance: your body converts it to Vitamin A as needed.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Carotene
Converted into vitamin A in the body from a yellow pigment that has several forms (i.e., alpha-, beta-, and gamma-carotene).
Cartilage
Specialized fibrous connective tissue that forms the skeleton of an embryo and much of the skeleton in an infant. As the child grows, the cartilage becomes bone. In adults, cartilage is present in and around joints and makes up the primary skeletal structure in some parts of the body, such as the ears and the tip of the nose.
Conjunctiva (Conjunctivitis)
Mucous membrane covering the posterior surface of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the conjunctiva, either from environmental irritation, allergies, viral or bacterial infections.
Cornea
Transparent structure forming the anterior part of the eye.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Endemic
Used to refer to a disease that constantly occurs in any particular geographical region.
Epithelial
Referring to the cells that line and protect the external and internal surfaces of the body. Epithelial cells form epithelial tissues such as skin and mucous membranes.
IU (mIU, uIU)
International Unit: An arbitrarily defined but agreed upon unit that depends on what is being measured.
mIU: 0.001 or one thousandth of an IU.
uIU: 0.000001 or one millionth of an IU.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Lactation (Lactate, Lactates, Lactating)
Production of milk; period after giving birth during which milk is secreted in the breasts.
Laxative (Laxatives)
A substance (food, herb, chemical) that stimulates evacuation of the bowels. Examples include cascara sagrada, senna, castor oil, aloe vera, bisacodyl, phenolphthalein and many others.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Menorrhagia
Abnormally heavy and/or long menstrual period.
Mucous Membranes (Mucosa, Mucous Membrane, Mucus Membranes)
The membranes, such as the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina, that line the cavities and canals of the body which communicate with the air.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Pancreas (Pancreatic)
Opposite the liver and behind the stomach, the pancreas has two main functions - to manufacture various enzymes for digestion, and to release hormones to help control the body's use of carbohydrates. It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy. In this way, insulin controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Proper pancreatic function is very important: too much, too little, or no insulin production can be life-threatening. Some of the chemicals released by the pancreas are not hormones, but stimulate other glands to make hormones. Once again, balance is necessary. Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that chromium vitamins C, E, B-complex, calcium, magnesium and potassium are especially important.
Prostate
The prostate gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra and produces a secretion that liquefies coagulated semen.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.
Steroid (Steroids)
Any of a large number of hormonal substances with a similar basic chemical structure containing a 17-carbon 14-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.
Urinary Tract (UT)
The kidneys and the lower urinary tract, which includes the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Vitamin A
A fat-soluble vitamin essential to one's health. Plays an important part in the growth and repair of body tissue, protects epithelial tissue, helps maintain the skin and is necessary for night vision. It is also necessary for normal growth and formation of bones and teeth. For Vitamin A only, 1mg translates to 833 IU.
Zinc
An essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Zinc is necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth.
Last updated: Jun 28, 2009
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