Vitamin-A Deficiency

Vitamin-A deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency in low-income countries and in fat-malabsorption states. Clinical: ocular (night blindness, conjunctival xerosis, Bitot spots, corneal xerosis/ulceration, keratomalacia leading to blindness), cutaneous (follicular hyperkeratosis, xeroderma), and increased infection risk. It is a leading preventable cause of childhood blindness. Treatment: high-dose vitamin-A supplementation; treat underlying malabsorption.

Common Symptoms

Night blindness; dry eyes; Bitot spots; corneal ulceration; follicular hyperkeratosis; recurrent infection; xeroderma

Causes and Pathogenesis

Dietary vitamin-A (retinol) insufficiency or fat malabsorption impairs rhodopsin synthesis and epithelial differentiation; squamous metaplasia of mucosa/skin.

Treatment

High-dose oral vitamin-A; treat underlying malabsorption; eye care; infection prophylaxis

Preventive Measures

Vitamin-A supplementation programs; diet rich in carotenoids/retinol; treat fat malabsorption.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Nutrition department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.