Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for many bodily functions, including proper vision, a strong immune system, reproduction and good skin health.
There are two types of vitamin A found in foods: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A (1).
Preformed vitamin A is also known as retinol and commonly found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
On the other hand, the body converts carotenoids in plant foods, such as red, green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, into vitamin A (2).
While deficiency is rare in developed countries, many people in developing countries do not get enough vitamin A.
Those at highest risk of deficiency are pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants and children. Cystic fibrosis and chronic diarrhea may also increase your risk of deficiency.
Here are 8 signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency.
Dry Skin
Vitamin A is important for the creation and repair of skin cells. It also helps fight inflammation due to certain skin issues . Not getting enough vitamin A may be to blame for the development of eczema and other skin problems
Eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Several clinical studies have shown alitretinoin, a prescription medication with vitamin A activity, to be effective in treating eczema
Dry Eyes
Eye problems are some of the most well-known issues related to vitamin A deficiency. In extreme cases, not getting enough vitamin A can lead to complete blindness or dying corneas, which are characterized by marks called Bitot’s spots
Dry eyes, or the inability to produce tears, is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency. Young children in India, Africa and Southeast Asia who have diets lacking in vitamin A are most at risk of developing dry eyes
One study found that high doses of vitamin A decreased the prevalence of dry eyes by 63% among infants and children who took supplements for 16 months
Night Blindness
Severe vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness
Several observational studies have reported a high prevalence of night blindness in developing nations . Due to the extent of this problem, health professionals have worked to improve vitamin A levels in people at risk of night blindness.
Infertility and Trouble Conceiving
Vitamin A is necessary for reproduction in both men and women, as well as proper development in babies. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, a lack of vitamin A may be one of the reasons why. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to infertility in both men and women.
Studies show that female rats with vitamin A deficiency have difficulty getting pregnant and may have embryos with birth defects
Delayed Growth
Children who do not get enough vitamin A may experience stunted growth. This is because vitamin A is necessary for the proper development of the human body. Several studies have shown that vitamin A supplements, alone or with other nutrients, can improve growth. Most of these studies were conducted in children in developing nations .
In fact, a study in over 1,000 children in Indonesia found that those with vitamin A deficiency who took high-dose supplements over four months grew 0.15 inches (0.39 cm) more than children who took a placebo .
However, a review of studies found that supplementing with vitamin A in combination with other nutrients may have a greater impact on growth than supplementing with vitamin A alone .
Throat and Chest Infections
Frequent infections, especially in the throat or chest, may be a sign of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A supplements may help with respiratory tract infections, but research results are mixed.
A study in children in Ecuador showed that underweight children who took 10,000 IU of vitamin A per week had fewer respiratory infections than those who received a placebo . On the other hand, a review of studies in children found that vitamin A supplements may increase the risk of developing throat and chest infections by 8% .
Furthermore, according to one study in elderly people, high blood levels of the provitamin A carotenoid beta-carotene may protect against respiratory infections
Poor Wound Healing
Wounds that do not heal well after injury or surgery may be linked to low vitamin A levels. This is because vitamin A promotes the creation of collagen, an important component of healthy skin. Research suggests that both oral and topical vitamin A can strengthen skin.
A study in rats found that oral vitamin A improved collagen production. The vitamin had this effect even though the rats were taking steroids, which can inhibit wound healing .
Additional research in rats found that treating skin with topical vitamin A appeared to prevent wounds associated with diabetes
Acne and Breakouts
Since vitamin A promotes skin development and fights inflammation, it may help prevent or treat acne. Multiple studies have linked low vitamin A levels to the presence of acne . In one study in 200 adults, vitamin A levels in those with acne were over 80 mcg lower than in those without the condition
The most well-known form of oral vitamin A used to treat acne is isotretinoin, or Accutane. This medication can be very effective at treating acne but may have a number of side effects, including mood changes and birth defects .
