What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient. The term “Vitamin A” refers to a group of chemically related organic compounds, including retinol, retinyl esters, and several provitamin (precursor) carotenoids, most notably beta-carotene. Vitamin A serves multiple functions in the body. It is crucial for embryo development, growth, maintaining the immune system, and supporting healthy vision. Additionally, Vitamin A combines with the protein opsin to form rhodopsin, a light-absorbing molecule necessary for both low-light (scotopic) vision and color vision.
Vitamin A Deficiency in the Body: A Leading Cause of Blindness
Vitamin A deficiency is one of the primary causes of blindness. In addition to this, a lack of Vitamin A weakens the immune system. As a result, your body becomes more susceptible to various diseases. Those who consume fewer Vitamin A-rich foods are at risk of deficiency. This deficiency can lead to several health issues. Learn about the necessity of Vitamin A, deficiency-related diseases, and sources in today’s article.
What is the Necessity of Vitamin A in the Body?
An adult woman should consume 700 micrograms of Vitamin A daily. For an adult man, 900 micrograms of Vitamin A per day is required. Now, let’s look at the functions of this vitamin:
- Improves vision
- Aids in cell growth
- Enhances immunity
- Supports reproductive health
- Keeps skin fresh
- Reduces the risk of tumors and cancer
- Contributes to the development of cells, skin, teeth, and bones
Diseases Caused by Deficiency
If children have a Vitamin A deficiency, their normal growth may be hampered. Deficiency-related diseases are common among children aged 9 months to 4 years. The disease “Keratomalacia” often affects children under five. This disease causes corneal ulcers. If not treated promptly, it can lead to blindness or even death. Insufficient Vitamin A in a child’s body can also result in measles and diarrhea. Furthermore, other deficiency-related diseases can occur:
- Night Blindness The most common disease caused by Vitamin A deficiency is “Night Blindness.” Patients with this condition can see normally during the day. However, they have difficulty seeing at night. Some people cannot see at all in the dark, while others have impaired vision.
- Anemia Vitamin A deficiency disrupts the body’s iron function, which can lead to anemia. This increases the risk of developing anemia.
- Premature Aging Signs on Skin A lack of Vitamin A makes the skin rough and dry. Wrinkles may appear at an early age, giving an aged appearance.
- Cancer Risk Research indicates that 21% of people develop tumors or skin cancer due to a Vitamin A deficiency (source: Wikipedia).
What Foods Contain Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is primarily formed from carotene. There are two main sources of Vitamin A: animal-based and plant-based.
Plant-based sources include yellow and green vegetables as well as colorful fruits. Generally, the darker the color of the vegetable or fruit, the more Vitamin A it contains. Other sources include carrots, pumpkin, ripe papaya, butter, broccoli, oranges, nuts, avocado, and cheese.
Animal-based sources include carnivorous animals, fish oil, or oily fish. Foods like meat, eggs, and liver also provide Vitamin A. To combat Vitamin A deficiency in children, breastfeeding is important. After six months, green and yellow vegetables, fruits, and eggs should be introduced.
The Necessity of Vitamin A During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s need for Vita
min A increases to meet the needs of both her body and her developing baby. However, there is no need to take separate Vitamin A tablets to prevent night blindness during pregnancy. Excessive Vitamin A intake should be avoided as it can have adverse effects on the body, such as bone and joint pain, nausea, blurred vision, and rough skin. Nutritious foods are sufficient to meet the demand for Vitamin A during pregnancy.
Excessive Vitamin A intake during the first trimester can harm the baby. This vitamin is necessary for the baby’s immunity and growth. However, it should be taken in appropriate amounts. Detailed advice should be obtained by consulting a doctor.
Now that we’ve learned about the necessity of Vitamin A, deficiency-related diseases, and sources, we must be cautious to protect ourselves from these deficiency-related diseases. Therefore, we should include Vitamin A-rich foods in our daily meals. That’s all for today. Stay well, stay healthy, and stay safe.
