Vitamin A Deficiency and Management

Abstract

Vitamin A refers to retinol and its related compounds. The revival of interest in vitamin A is related to the actions of retinoid acid as paracine and endocrine hormone in human body. It is believed that retinoic acid is essential in the formation of embryonic stem cell differentiation, development, and retaining healthy epithelial cell configuration and function. While the widely known role of vitamin A relates to vision, the deficiency is high among the countries which have food insecurity. This vitamin's role is also in the control of cell division and differentiation, as well as cell apoptosis. The symptoms of vitamin A deficiency start with night blindness, caused by a disorder of the retina; the whites (conjunctiva) and corneas of the eyes can develop into dry and thick, a state termed as exophthalmia. Cornea becomes dry and soft; then it deteriorates and it leads to blindness. Vitamin A is important in the formation and maintenance of epithelial tissues; deficiency may lead to dry and flaky skin. Inclusion of Vitamin A food sources will decrease the deficiency symptoms.