Vitamin A deficiency (VAD)

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD)

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Vitamin A deficiency means a lack of vitamin A in humans. This disease is most common in poorer countries but rarely found in more developed countries. Night blindness is the most common symptom of vitamin A deficiency. If you have high level of vitamin A deficiency, then keratomalacia, Xerophthalmia and complete blindness may occur.

This problem also decreases the ability to fight infections. In countries where children are not vaccinated, infectious problem like measles have found in higher fatality rates. Lack of vitamin A may increase the chance of occurring diarrheal and respiratory infections, minimize growth rate, lazy bone development, and minimizes likelihood of survival from serious diseases.

Vitamin A deficiency is measured to attack approximately one third of children under the age of 5 in all over the world. It is predicted to claim the lives of 670,000 children less than 5 years annually. Approximately 250,000–500,000 children in growing countries turns into blind each year due to vitamin A deficiency, with the highest predominance in Africa and Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that vitamin A deficiency is under control in the United States, but in developing countries vitamin A deficiency is found in high level.

Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency : 

Signs-of-Vitamin-A-Deficiency

The most common sign is blindness which is found in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts 13.8 million children to have visual loss related problem that may occur due to VAD. Night blindness as well as its worsened condition, xerophthalmia, are markers of VAD, as VAD can also start to injured immune function, birth defects and cancer. Accumulation of keratin in the conjunctiva, called as “Bitot’s Spots”, are also seen.

Reasons:

The major reason is roughage that contains few animal sources of pre-formed vitamin A. In addition to dietary problems, there are other reasons behind vitamin A deficiency. Iron deficiency can influence vitamin A uptake. High amount of alcohol consumption can decrease vitamin A, and a stressed liver may be high susceptible to vitamin A toxicity. People who take large amounts of alcohol should take medical advice before eating vitamin A supplements. If they have any problem related to fat malabsorption such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, biliary obstruction and tropical spruce.

Diagnosis and Treatment :

Diagnosis-and-Treatment

This deficiency problem is identified by an eye exam as well as by reviewing medical history. A blood test can help to check the amount of vitamin A in your blood. However, because vitamin A deficiency is mostly found in those areas with limited medical exposer, the diagnosis has been done on the basis of information given by the parent about their child’s vision, particularly the occurrence of night blindness.

This deficiency problem can treat with vitamin A supplements. It is suggested to take the sufficient amount of supplements as per the age of the child. Vitamin A supplements can cure night blindness and aid the eyes to properly lubricate again. However, vision loss occurred by scarring from corneal ulcers cannot be cured.

International organizations try to spread the relevant information regarding vitamin A deficiency which becomes risk for populations, and this organization delivers various remedies through vitamin supplements and adequate diet.

Conclusion: If you have any sign related to vitamin A deficiency, you need to consult with a physician. He will tell you the perfect solution that can surely cure your problem. Take healthy food, fruits and green vegetable to stay healthy and disease free.