Vitamin A deficiency can cause eye damage, infections, respiratory and digestive diseases, etc., especially in young children.
Recently, the Drug Administration ( Ministry of Health ) said that there is a shortage of vitamin A supply for use in health programs, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, there are only three types of vitamin A drugs (content of 5,000 IU) with valid circulation registration certificates in Vietnam.
Master, Doctor Nguyen Anh Duy Tung - Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System, said that vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining and enhancing functions in the body. Specifically, vitamin A helps prevent eye diseases: age-related macular degeneration, cataracts; strengthens resistance, reduces inflammation, limits the risk of measles, diarrhea, respiratory infections, etc. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause the following serious health problems.
Night blindness (nyctalopia): This is an early warning sign of vitamin A deficiency, the ability to see clearly in the dark will decrease if you have night blindness. However, you can still observe normally when there is enough light. Retinal disorders will cause night blindness.
Vitamin A deficiency affects eye health. Photo: Freepik
Dry cornea and whites of the eyes : If vitamin A deficiency becomes more severe, the cornea and whites of the eyes may become dry. At this time, tears cannot be secreted (xerophthalmia). The whites of the eyes may appear frothy. In addition, the cornea may also appear open, dry or frozen (keratomalacia) leading to complications of blindness.
Skin problems : Vitamin A plays an important role in fighting inflammation and repairing the skin. A deficiency in this nutrient can lead to eczema, dermatitis, and other skin problems. Vitamin A deficiency is also linked to acne.
Fertility problems : Both women and men who are deficient in vitamin A are at risk of fertility problems. Birth defects and miscarriages may also be linked to low levels of vitamin A in the mother and father.
Children with stunted growth : Vitamin A is an important substance that contributes to the creation of healthy cells. When deficient, children will grow slowly, negatively affecting bone development, causing stunted growth. Nutrient deficiencies that occur early and last for a long time affect intellectual development and later stature.
Frequent infections : As a nutrient that plays an important role in the function of the immune system, a body lacking in vitamin A will be susceptible to infections, typically diarrhea, measles, and respiratory infections. These diseases can even progress to severe, life-threatening conditions.
Poor wound healing: Low levels of vitamin A can also cause wounds after surgery or trauma to heal slowly. Because vitamin A promotes the body to produce collagen, an important component that helps skin wounds heal quickly.
Dr. Duy Tung added that the body cannot produce vitamin A on its own, so it needs to be supplemented from food sources or medicine. Each person can absorb natural vitamin A from food. Kale, spinach, broccoli, spinach, sprouts, bok choy, etc. are rich in this vitamin. Vegetables and fruits that contain vitamin A are sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, red bell peppers, apricots, tomatoes, papaya, mango, etc. The vitamin A content in vegetables and fruits is usually in the form of beta-carotene. The body has the ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.
Dairy foods also contain vitamin A. It is estimated that 100 ml of fresh cow's milk contains about 113 international units of vitamin A. The vitamin content in milk is usually in the form of retinol or carotene. People who are allergic to lactose in cow's milk can choose to drink soy milk to get the necessary amount of vitamin. It is estimated that 100 grams of soy milk contains 3 international units of vitamin A.
In cases of inadequate nutrition or poor absorption, the doctor will instruct on oral vitamin A supplementation. "Each person needs to have a nutrition examination and micronutrient testing to see if the body is lacking vitamin A or other micronutrients. From there, the doctor will prescribe appropriate supplementation. Arbitrary supplementation can be harmful to health," said Dr. Tung.
Kim Thanh
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