We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What can I do About a Vitamin a Deficiency?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,399
Share

There are several approaches which can be used to manage a vitamin A deficiency. In all cases, the goal is to increase consumption and absorption of vitamin A for the purpose of correcting the deficiency, and people often experience an improvement within a few days of addressing the issue. As in the case of any medical condition, it is important to consult a doctor about vitamin A deficiency before treating it to address specific issues and concerns which pertain to the patient.

In people who eat a balanced diet, vitamin A deficiencies are very rare. Beef, liver, chicken, eggs, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, and mangoes are all excellent sources of vitamin A, as are fortified foods such as milk and cereal. Most commonly, a vitamin A deficiency arises as the result of malnutrition, although it can also be caused by medical conditions which interfere with fat absorption, because vitamin A is fat soluble. Individuals with liver disease, iron deficiencies, and alcoholism can also develop a vitamin A deficiency.

Generally, the immediate treatment for vitamin A deficiency is supplementation with vitamin A to reach the recommended daily allowance. In men, around 900 micrograms a day should be consumed, while women need approximately 700 micrograms. In the case of someone with a deficiency caused by dietary habits, lifestyle changes should address the issue and prevent the deficiency from recurring. In the case of individuals with underlying medical conditions which are causing or contributing to the deficiency, it is important to treat these conditions in addition to the deficiency.

People with a vitamin A deficiency usually experience vision problems such as spotting, poor night vision, and blindness first, with symptoms such as dry, cracked skin following. Because some other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, doctors usually like to interview patients before confirming that a vitamin A deficiency is the issue, and a doctor may recommend appropriate treatment. In some cases, medical testing may be used to rule out other medical issues, or to monitor the patient's progress during treatment.

It is possible to overdose on vitamin A. Taking more than 10 times the recommended amount per day can cause health problems, with the treatment for overdose being a reduction in the amount of vitamin A consumed. Patients may want to be aware that it is a good idea to take supplements with food to increase their absorption, and that it is best to space out supplements in multiple small doses over the course of the day, rather than taking them all at once. This increases the chance that they will be fully absorbed.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By sevenseas — On Apr 16, 2009

Lack of calories, as in malnutrition, can be a cause of vitamin A deficiency, because the vitamin can not be transported efficiently throughout the body. Sufficient calorie intake will help with this condition.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-can-i-do-about-a-vitamin-a-deficiency.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.