Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a range of bodily functions, particularly supporting healthy vision by forming part of the visual pigments in the retina, preventing night blindness, and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It enhances immune function by promoting the production of white blood cells, helping to fight infections, and reducing infection-related mortality, especially in children.
Vitamin A deficiency can manifest through a variety of symptoms, ranging from vision-related issues such as night blindness and dry eyes (xerophthalmia) to the appearance of Bitot’s spots, which are white, foamy patches on the eye. Prolonged deficiency can even lead to complete vision loss. Dry, scaly skin and frequent infections, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal, are also common signs due to the weakened immune system. In children, vitamin A deficiency can cause delayed growth and development, while in adults, it may contribute to poor wound healing and reproductive issues. In severe cases, it can lead to complications like corneal damage and an increased risk of mortality from infections.