Reasons for Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary intake, absorption disorders, liver disease, increased special physiological needs, chronic wasting diseases, and other reasons. Vitamin A is an important nutrient for maintaining visual function, immune system, and skin health. Long term deficiency may lead to problems such as night blindness and dry eye syndrome.

1. Insufficient dietary intake

Long term lack of foods rich in vitamin A in the diet is a common reason. Animal based foods such as animal liver, cod liver oil, and egg yolks contain directly available retinol, while dark vegetables and fruits such as carrots, spinach, and pumpkin are rich in beta carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in the body. Nutrient loss caused by picky eating, single or excessive cooking in impoverished areas may lead to insufficient intake.

2. Absorption disorders

Abnormal gastrointestinal function can affect the absorption of fat soluble vitamin A. Chronic diarrhea, celiac disease, pancreatitis and other diseases can reduce the secretion of fat digestive enzymes, and insufficient bile secretion after cholecystectomy can also affect absorption. Long term use of mineral oil laxatives or certain lipid-lowering drugs may interfere with the dissolution and absorption process of vitamin A.

3. Liver diseases

The liver is the main organ for storing and metabolizing vitamin A. Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis can reduce the synthesis ability of retinol binding proteins, leading to obstacles in the storage and transport of vitamin A. Patients with alcoholic liver disease often have a dual problem of reduced intake and impaired storage function.

4. Increased special physiological needs

The rapid growth and development period of infants and young children, the developmental needs of pregnant women and fetuses, and the milk secretion during lactation all significantly increase the demand for vitamin A. Premature infants have insufficient liver reserve, and if the mother's vitamin A level is low during breastfeeding, it can easily lead to infant deficiency. The immune response also accelerates vitamin A consumption during infectious diseases.

5. Chronic wasting diseases

tuberculosis, AIDS, malignant tumors and other chronic wasting diseases will lead to a large loss of vitamin A. These diseases are often accompanied by persistent inflammatory reactions, metabolic hyperactivity, and malnutrition, and may result in additional costs due to drug treatment. Patients with renal insufficiency may lose excessive retinol binding protein through urine.

To prevent vitamin A deficiency, it is necessary to ensure a balanced diet, consume animal liver and dairy products in moderation every week, and eat dark vegetables daily. Special populations such as pregnant women and infants can follow medical advice to supplement vitamin A preparations, but excessive poisoning should be avoided. Chronic disease patients should regularly monitor their serum retinol levels, and when combined with absorption disorders, water-soluble vitamin A supplements can be chosen. When cooking, be careful to avoid prolonged high-temperature frying and use appropriate amounts of oil to promote the conversion of beta carotene. Early symptoms such as night blindness and dry skin should be promptly evaluated by seeking medical attention.