Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various physiological functions, including vision, immune defense, cell growth, and skin health. It exists in two primary forms: preformed vitamin A (retinoids), found in animal products, and provitamin A (carotenoids, such as beta-carotene), found in plant-based foods.
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Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various physiological functions, including vision, immune defense, cell growth, and skin health. It exists in two primary forms: preformed vitamin A (retinoids), found in animal products, and provitamin A (carotenoids, such as beta-carotene), found in plant-based foods.
Role in Metabolism and Body Functions
Vision: Vitamin A is critical for rhodopsin production, a pigment necessary for low-light vision. Deficiency can lead to nyctalopia (night blindness) and, in severe cases, xerophthalmia or corneal ulceration.
Immune System: Vitamin A modulates immune responses by enhancing T-cell differentiation and mucosal immunity. Deficiency impairs neutrophil and macrophage function, increasing susceptibility to infections like measles and diarrheal diseases38. Retinoic acid, a metabolite, promotes gut-homing receptors on lymphocytes, bolstering defenses at mucosal surfaces3.
Cell Growth & Differentiation: Vitamin A is essential for epithelial tissues, influencing skin regeneration and mucous membrane health.
Antioxidant Activity: Carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, act as antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Reproductive Health: Vitamin A plays a crucial role in fetal development, sperm production, and placental function. Postnatal deficiency correlates with stunted growth and higher child mortality rates.
A 2024 meta-analysis of 120 trials found Vitamin A supplementation reduces all-cause mortality by 12% in children and lowers measles mortality by 50%8. Clinical studies confirm its role in enhancing mucosal immunity, with RA (retinoic acid) increasing IgA secretion in the gut3.
Why You Need It
Populations at highest risk include:
Individuals with malabsorption disorders (e.g., Crohn’s disease) or diets lacking animal products47.
Pregnant and lactating women, due to increased nutritional demands.
Children under five in low-income regions, where VAD causes 670,000 annual deaths4.
Supplementation becomes essential when dietary intake is insufficient or absorption is compromised, such as in post-bariatric surgery patients7.
Deficiency Prevalence & Symptoms
Globally, 33% of children under five suffer from Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), with prevalence highest in sub-Saharan Africa (48%) and South Asia (44%)4. Common symptoms include:
Early stage: Night blindness, dry skin, frequent infections.
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health, vision, immunity, and overall body function. A deficiency in this essential nutrient can lead to a range of noticeable symptoms affecting both appearance and internal health.
1. Skin and Hair Issues
Dryness and hair loss – Vitamin A is essential for skin cell regeneration and sebaceous gland function. A deficiency can result in brittle, thinning hair and scalp dryness.
Premature aging – Lack of vitamin A reduces collagen production, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and overall loss of skin elasticity.
Skin dryness and peeling – The vitamin helps maintain moisture balance, and its absence can cause flaky, rough skin.
Keratosis pilaris ("goosebumps") – Small, rough bumps may appear on the thighs, arms, and shoulders due to improper keratin production.
2. Eye and Vision Problems
Night blindness (Nyctalopia) – One of the earliest signs of vitamin A deficiency, leading to difficulty seeing in low light or darkness.
Dry eyes (Xerophthalmia) – Insufficient tear production can result in irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling in the eyes. If left untreated, it may lead to corneal damage.
3. Weakened Immune Function
Frequent colds and infections – Vitamin A supports white blood cell production. Its deficiency weakens the immune response, making the body more prone to viral and bacterial infections.
Slow wound healing – The vitamin plays a role in tissue repair, so wounds may take longer to heal when levels are low.
4. Neurological and Energy Deficits
Chronic fatigue and weakness – Low vitamin A levels can lead to reduced energy production, causing persistent tiredness.
Nervousness and irritability – Vitamin A is involved in nervous system function, and its deficiency may contribute to mood instability.
5. Reproductive and Developmental Concerns
Developmental delays in children – Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and bone development, and its deficiency can lead to stunted growth.
