Sitename.com
Diseases Symptoms Drugs Injuries Surgeries Vitamins Pediatric Symptoms
  home         about us         support center         contact us         terms of service         site map

VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY

General Information

DEFINITION--Insufficient intake or absorption of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin. This deficiency is rare in the U.S. and is usually due to failure of the intestine to absorb enough of the vitamin. Synthetic vitamin A compounds (retinoids) are being used for some skin conditions such as acne.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Total body tissues.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Poor night vision.
  • Dry, inflamed eyes.
  • Rough skin.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Decreased taste and smell.
  • Poor wound healing.
  • Anemia.
  • Lowered resistance to infection.
  • Growth retardation in children.
  • Severe deficiency can cause weak bones and teeth, corneal ulcers and corneal damage that can lead to blindness.

CAUSES

  • Insufficient dietary intake of vitamin A.
  • Poor absorption of vitamin A.

RISK INCREASES WITH

  • Cystic fibrosis.
  • Celiac disease; sprue.
  • Operations on the pancreas.
  • Cirrhosis of the liver.
  • Bile duct obstruction.
  • Use of certain lipid-lowering drugs.
  • Dietary deficiency (common in some developing countries) occurs only in people who have an exceptionally poor diet.
  • Alcoholism; intravenous drug abuse.
  • Fad diets.

HOW TO PREVENT

  • Proper nutrition.
  • Vitamin supplements if needed.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

  • Your own observation of symptoms.
  • Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
  • Laboratory blood studies of vitamin A levels and other medical tests to determine any underlying disorder or other cause for the symptoms.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

  • Self-care after diagnosis.
  • Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--If untreated, eye problems including blindness, infections and death.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with an adequate diet, vitamin A supplements, and treatment for any underlying disease.


How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Avoid alcohol. If you need help with stopping, ask your doctor, or contact Alcoholics Anonymous.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe vitamin A tablets or injections.

ACTIVITY--Don't drive at night if you have night vision problems.

DIET--Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin A--even if you take vitamin A supplements. Dietary sources include: liver, fish-lever oils, egg yolk, milk and dairy products, margarine, dark green vegetables and yellow vegetable and fruits.


Call Your Doctor If

  • You or your child have symptoms of vitamin A deficiency.
  • Symptoms don't improve in 1 month, despite treatment.
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
read more

Email:

Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit.
Support forums
Help desk
F.A.Q.
go
home       about us      affiliates     contact us       terms of service      

© 2005 HealthSE.com All right reserved