A lack of vitamin A in the body manifests itself. Lack of vitamin A: reasons, what to do. Why is deficiency dangerous for women?

Contents:

What are the causes of vitamin A deficiency? Symptoms, existing methods of treatment and prevention.

Vitamin A is a substance that belongs to the fat-soluble category. Scientists have proven that the element in question has two forms:

• retinol– original type of vitamin;
• carotene– belongs to the category of provitamin A.

The presence of this element in food is mandatory, because it stimulates cell growth, participates in the creation of dental and bone tissue, improves vision, and restores the immune system.

A lack of vitamin A leads to a number of unpleasant consequences in the form of malfunctions in the body and diseases, which will be discussed below. How much retinol does the body need? What are the signs of its deficiency? What foods contain it?

Indications for use

Retinol is actively used in medical practice. Doctors prescribe it for:

• Skin diseases and deterioration of the mucous membranes. It is effective for eczema, thrush, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
• Injuries and damage to the integrity of the skin surface.
• Increased strain on the eye organs, prolonged work at the computer.

The vitamin is often included in complex therapy:

• For diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
• In case of development of pneumonia in chronic and acute form.

Reasons for shortage

Experts identify the following causes of vitamin A deficiency:

• Exogenous– associated with external unfavorable factors. The main one is an incorrectly composed diet, which is why the body does not receive a sufficient amount of useful elements.
• Endogenous– directly related to malfunctions of the body (can be congenital or acquired). In the latter case, it is worth highlighting disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, infectious diseases, and disruptions in the endocrine system. Deficiency also often develops during pregnancy, during active stress (physical and mental), and during active growth.

Generally speaking, the likelihood of a retinol deficiency increases:

• during pregnancy and lactation;
• in winter and spring, when the body needs vitamins most;
• with prolonged lack of protein in the diet;
• in case of malfunction of the stomach, due to which the substance is less absorbed;
• due to diseases of the biliary tract and liver.

Daily dosage

With a lack of vitamin A, many diseases develop (they will be discussed below). To avoid problems, it is worth normalizing your diet and giving your body the required amount of retinol. Daily dosage:

• under the age of one year - 0.4 mg;
• from one to three years – 0.45 mg;
• from four to six years – 0.5 mg;
• at the age of seven to ten years - 0.7 mg;
• from eleven and older - 0.8 mg.

As for pregnant and lactating women, the daily portion is higher. In the first case, it is added to the daily norm 0.2 mg, and in the second – 0,4 .

Sources

To avoid a lack of useful elements, it is enough to balance your diet and include the following products:

• vegetables - pumpkin, spinach, parsley, green onions, broccoli;
• fruits - melon, apples, grapes;
• fish fat;
• red caviar;
• berries - cherries, watermelon, sea buckthorn;
• chicken yolk;
• beef liver.

The first signs of hypovitaminosis

The first signs of vitamin A deficiency are as follows:

• Dry skin, acne.
• The appearance of wrinkles, deterioration of skin condition, the appearance of a large amount of dandruff.
• Problems with vision in the evening (“night blindness”). If you don't take any action, the situation will only get worse.
• Disturbances in the sleep-wake mode, apathy, high fatigue.
• Deterioration of the condition of gums and teeth, weakening of enamel protection, increased sensitivity of teeth.
• Increased tearing of the eyes. There may be redness of the eyelids and accumulation of mucus in the corners of the eyes.
• Problems with erection in males, lack of desire in women.

In general, hypovitaminosis develops in three stages:

1. At the first stage, the activity of some internal organs is disrupted, performance decreases, and general tone drops. The only way to identify the problem at this stage is through analysis.
2. At the second stage, the first visual manifestations appear and diseases appear due to weakened immunity.
3. In the third, serious diseases develop that require urgent compensation for the missing retinol and treatment.

What is the danger of shortage: diseases in adults and children

If we consider the problem of retinol deficiency in relation to a person’s age, it is worth distinguishing three groups:

1. Adults. In this case, a lack of vitamin A leads to:
   • anemia;
   • clouding of the cornea;
   • immunodeficiency;
   • problems with the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, colitis, malignant tumor of the pancreas;
   • pneumonia, sinusitis, malignant tumor in the lungs, bronchitis;
   • in men – decreased erection, urinary incontinence;
   • in women - to leukoplakia, endocervicitis, cervical erosion.
2. Children. Their lack of vitamin leads to eye disease (decreased vision), problems with internal organs, and dry skin. In addition, retinol deficiency often causes damage to the integrity of the lips (cracks appear), allergic reactions and even death.
3. Infants. A lack of vitamin A is most dangerous for infants. The following consequences are likely:

• visual impairment;
• damage to mucous membranes;
• deterioration of the skin condition.

The easiest way to cover the deficiency in infancy is with breast milk.

In general, a lack of retinol provokes:

• the appearance of dermatological diseases;
• gastrointestinal diseases, pancreatic malignancy;
• mastopathy, breast tumors;
• ARVI diseases, colds;
• slowdown in development and growth;
• excessive tooth sensitivity.

The complications described above are usually associated with a weakened immune system and the body's susceptibility to various infectious diseases. If the deficiency cannot be eliminated by normalizing the diet, then adding medications is necessary.

Treatment

What to do if such a problem is diagnosed? There are several ways:

• Normalization of the diet, which means taking foods that are rich in carotene and retinol.
• Taking medications with a high content of vitamin A. The course of administration is 14-28 days. The dosage and the drug itself are prescribed on an individual basis. Treatment depends on the neglect, health status, and characteristics of the body. In this case, the decision regarding treatment is made only by the doctor.

The patient must be under the supervision of a doctor throughout the entire period of taking the drug. In this case, it is easier to monitor the symptoms of vitamin deficiency in adults and children, see changes and adjust the dosage. On average, treatment portions are as follows:

• for adults – 33000 IU;
• for children - up to 5000 IU;
• for the purpose of prevention - 3000-3300 IU.

Prevention

Prevention involves following the following recommendations:

• Normalization of the diet and adding the following products to it - green leafy vegetables, peaches, butter, liver, apricots.
• Taking fish oil 2-3 times a day.
• Adding multivitamin complexes to the diet. The most popular of them are Hexavit, Gendevit, Undevit, Complivit and others.

Many people have known since school: vitamin A is what is found in large quantities in carrots and is good for vision. Modern scientists know much more of the properties and functions of this biologically active substance, important for health. What does a lack of vitamin A lead to, what are the causes and symptoms of this type of hypovitaminosis?

What is vitamin A

Science means by the term “vitamin A” a group of substances of a similar structure, which includes forms of retinol and its derivatives - retinoids. In addition, the precursors of this substance are classified into a separate category - provitamins A or carotenoids, which are converted into the vitamin itself in the body. Retinoids are found in foods of animal origin, carotenoids – in plant foods. Both forms dissolve well in oils and poorly in water. They can be stored in the liver and body tissues.

Daily requirements

The daily requirement for vitamin A varies depending on gender, age, and level of physical activity:

• infants up to a year - 400-500 mcg (1333-1667 IU);
• children under 14 years of age, depending on age and weight – 400-700 mcg (1333-2333 IU);
• men 14 years and older – 1000 mcg (3300 IU);
• women 14 years and older – 800 mcg (2667 IU);
• pregnant women – 200-800 mcg (667-2667 IU);
• nursing mothers – 400-1200 mcg (1333-4000 IU);
• elderly people - 800 mcg (2667 IU).

The need for vitamin A increases with heavy physical activity, diseases of the liver, intestines, stomach, stress, and diabetes. In addition, the daily intake of the vitamin needs to be increased for those who live in hot climates or consume excess amounts of protein, which is often observed among adherents of sports nutrition. Vitamin A is also needed in large quantities during periods of active growth and development.

Importance of Vitamin A

The main functions of vitamin A in the body are as follows:

• synthesis of rhodopsin, a visual pigment necessary for twilight vision;
• synthesis of enzymes necessary for the production of components of connective tissue, cartilage, bones, hyaluronic acid, taurine, liver enzymes.;
• synthesis of growth factors that promote the production of muscle tissue proteins (growth function);
• synthesis of sex hormones, interferon, immunoglobulin A.

In addition, vitamin A protects the body from the effects of free radicals and, according to some data, increases the efficiency of insulin use.

Causes of hypovitaminosis

The causes of vitamin A deficiency may be associated with external exposure to unfavorable factors, including a deficiency of this substance and its precursors in food. Moreover, this can happen not only due to a forced diet depletion or as a result of exotic diets. Vitamin A is fat-soluble, and if you exclude foods containing fats from your diet, the absorption of retinoids and carotenoids will decrease. Improper storage of foods can also lead to a decrease in the vitamin A content in them. Infants may suffer from vitamin deficiency if they are weaned early.

Another group of causes of vitamin A deficiency is internal. Deficiency can occur as a result of impaired lipid absorption, bile formation, smoking and alcoholism. A rare congenital disorder, hypercarotenemia, in which the intestinal enzyme responsible for the synthesis of vitamin A from provitamins is absent, can also lead to a lack of vitamin A.

Symptoms and consequences of deficiency

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency depend on the stage of beriberi. At the initial stages, organ dysfunction does not have pronounced external signs, but is accompanied by a decrease in performance and a decrease in immune defense. In the second stage, vitamin A deficiency has severe symptoms. The third stage leads to the development of diseases.

The most well-known manifestation of hypovitaminosis A is “night blindness” or lack of twilight vision. Another characteristic symptom is skin disorders. Dandruff forms, the aging process accelerates, early wrinkles appear, hair falls out rapidly, nails become brittle, and the processes of keratinization of the skin intensify. With a lack of vitamin A and its precursors, the skin becomes dry, acne appears, and the condition of the teeth worsens. There is also insomnia, apathy, fatigue.

Since vitamin A affects reproductive function, its deficiency provokes disorders in this area. In childhood, a lack of vitamin A leads to slower growth, decreased immunity, increased fatigue, dry and pale skin, and color blindness.

A severe lack of vitamin A can cause frequent intestinal infections and liver cysts. Sometimes this condition accompanies pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. Women may experience mastopathy, cervical erosion, and men may experience loss of erection and urinary incontinence.

To diagnose vitamin A deficiency, biomicroscopy of the eye is performed or dark adaptation of vision is examined, and the content of vitamin A or carotene in the blood serum is determined.

How to make up for the deficiency

To treat vitamin A deficiency, retinol preparations and a diet that includes foods high in the substance and its precursors are prescribed. In drug treatment, vitamin A is often prescribed with vitamin E, which promotes the absorption of this nutrient, as well as with vitamin D. The transport and synthesis of vitamin A deteriorates with a lack of zinc, therefore, for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, the vitamin can be prescribed together with this microelement. 5 out of 5 (6 votes)

Vitamin A deficiency in a child's body can lead to blindness, reduced immunity, and stunted growth. Proper nutrition and therapeutic correction will help prevent dangerous symptoms.

Vitamin A (retinol) is an organic compound that in the human body is involved in metabolic processes, light perception, skeletal formation, synthesis of steroid hormones (progesterone, etc.) and spermatogenesis, as well as the functioning of organs and systems. Under its influence are the respiratory and urinary tract, skin, mucous membrane of the eyes, as well as the digestive tract and immunity. The main site of action of vitamin A is the epithelial tissue that covers all our organs.

Retinol has a predecessor. It is a provitamin – beta-carotene. It is able to accumulate in the subcutaneous fat, creating an additional reserve (depot) in the body. Under the influence of enzymes in the walls of the small intestine, the precursor is converted into vitamin A in the amounts necessary for the body. Beta-carotene and retinol have a powerful antioxidant effect, that is, they prevent excessive oxidative processes in the body and the accumulation of free radicals - harmful chemical compounds. Thanks to these properties, vitamin A protects against the appearance of cancerous tumors.

Basic biochemical functions

It is vitamin A that provides us with good vision.

• regulates receptor activity and cell membrane functions;
• promotes food absorption (fat breakdown);
• regulates the synthesis of protein and acid mucopolysaccharides (hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, etc.);
• has antioxidant activity (prevents aging of the body).

The effect of vitamin A on the body of a pregnant woman

It is necessary to remember the need to take multivitamin complexes (“Vitrum prenatal”, “Elevit pronatal”, “Alphabet mom’s health”, “Complivit mom”, etc.). They must contain retinol or beta-carotene. Vitamin A has an important effect on the body of the mother and unborn child:

• participates in the formation of visual pigment (rhodopsin);
• ensures the development of the placenta and fetal growth;
• activates the immune system;
• improves the well-being of the pregnant woman (normalizes sleep, increases heart contractions, helping to redistribute the increased blood volume);
• has a positive effect on a woman’s skin, hair and nails, promoting their healthy condition.

Daily values ​​of vitamin A for children and adults

Causes of vitamin A deficiency in the body

1. Lack of retinol and beta-carotene in food (vitaminosis in the winter-spring period).
2. Unbalanced diet: deficiency of proteins and fats (vitamin A is poorly absorbed).
3. Pathology of the digestive system (colitis, impaired intestinal absorption - malabsorption syndrome, hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, etc.). Gastroenterological diseases interfere with the normal absorption of retinol and the conversion of beta-carotene into its active form.
4. Lack of vitamin E and zinc in foods also interferes with the absorption of vitamin A
5. Increased need for retinol during pregnancy and (woman does not take multivitamins).

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in children

• Frequent infections of the respiratory tract (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract;
• protrusion of the fontanel in infants (increased spinal pressure due to impaired circulation of cerebrospinal fluid), possible paresis of the facial nerve (immobile and asymmetrical half of the face);
• blurred vision, especially in the dark (night blindness);
• dryness of the mucous membrane of the eye and cornea - xerophthalmia;
• delayed growth of bones and body;
• dry skin with areas of peeling (“fish scales”) and a papular rash (convex nodular elements), possible pustular lesions (furunculosis), erosion of the mucous membranes (stomatitis);
• dull hair, dandruff;
• anemia (pale skin);
• insomnia;
• loss of appetite, weakness;
• increased sensitivity of tooth enamel to external irritants (cold, hot food, sweets, etc.);
• formation of infertility.

Night blindness

Hemeralopia is a decrease in visual acuity in twilight and darkness (at night). The disease is associated with a violation of the production of visual pigment - rhodopsin, due to a deficiency of vitamin A. Rhodopsin takes part in capturing the light flux by the eye in low light. The characteristic symptoms of hemeralopia are: a sharp deterioration in vision at night with a violation of orientation in space, a decrease in visual fields, a change in the correct perception of individual colors - blue and yellow.

Night blindness is difficult to detect in young children (under 4 years of age). The appearance of silver-gray plaques (Bito's spots) on the cornea of ​​the eye helps in the diagnosis. They become an early sign of developing necrosis - keratomalacia. The reason for everything is the pronounced dryness of the cornea and the mucous membrane of the conjunctiva with impaired lacrimation (xerophthalmia). There is a burning sensation, turbidity and loss of luster, a feeling of a foreign object in the eye, photophobia. Most often, the inflammatory process develops on both sides at once.

If treatment is not started in time, the child may completely or partially lose sight (melting of the cornea with perforation - perforation of the eyeball). In older children, the inflammatory reaction is not as pronounced. As a rule, only conjunctivitis develops due to dryness of the mucous membrane: redness, itching, complaints of “sand in the eyes.”

Prevention and treatment of hemeralopia comes down to good nutrition (especially with) enriching the diet with foods containing vitamin A and beta-carotene. These are cod liver, fish oil, beef liver, butter, milk, cheese, egg yolk, tomatoes, spinach, etc. Additionally, retinol and beta-carotene preparations are prescribed in age-specific doses. It is also necessary because their concentration is reduced in hemeralopia.

Retinol for night blindness is prescribed in a dose of 10,000–25,000 IU, for xerophthalmia – 50,000–100,000 IU, for children – 5000–20,000 IU per day for several months until the condition improves. The drug is taken orally or parenterally (intramuscular injections) depending on the severity of the disease. Doses of beta-carotene are 3 times larger (1 IU vitamin A = 0.3 mcg vitamin A = 0.6 mcg beta-carotene).

Sources of Vitamin A and Beta Carotene

The main source of vitamin A precursor is. Beta-carotene is a dark orange pigment, so all foods high in it have characteristic colors: bright red, dark green.

The foods richest in beta-carotene are presented in the table.

Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it comes from animal foods. During culinary processing (cooking, canning, scalding with boiling water), a small part of its beneficial properties is lost. Thus, 70–85% of vitamin A is absorbed.

The foods richest in retinol are presented in the table.

Retinol is better absorbed in the presence of vitamin E, a significant amount of which is contained in vegetable oil.

Preparations for the prevention and treatment of vitamin A deficiency in the body

Retinol acetate (retinol palmitate) is an oil solution of vitamin A. It is used in two concentrations: 3.44% (100,000 IU in 1 ml) for acetate and 1.5% (100,000 IU in 1 ml) for palmitate; in bottles of 10 ml.

The drug is used for vitamin A deficiency in the body with the following manifestations:

• frequent infectious diseases, as well as exacerbations of chronic processes;
• inflammation of the skin (eczema, psoriasis, burns and frostbite, wounds, pustular lesions, hyperkeratosis - thickening of the surface layer of the epidermis with pronounced peeling, etc.);
• eye diseases (hemeralopia, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, conjunctivitis, etc.);
• pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (chronic enterocolitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, malabsorption syndrome - impaired intestinal absorption, etc.).

For preventive purposes, retinol is administered orally 10–15 minutes after meals 1–2 times a day (morning or evening). The drug can be used not only in the form of oil drops, but also in the form of tablets, dragees or capsules with different dosages: 3300 IU or 5000 IU of vitamin A in one piece. The drug is prescribed depending on the daily needs of children and adults.

For treatment, the drug is taken orally. Can be used in the form of injection forms (intramuscular): 0.86% oil solution of retinol acetate, 1 ml (25,000 IU) and 3.44%, 1 ml (100,000 IU).

For mild to moderate vitamin A deficiency, adults are prescribed up to 33,000 IU of the drug per day, children – 1000–5000 IU, depending on age. For skin and eye diseases, higher doses of retinol acetate are used: 50,000–100,000 IU for adults and 5,000–20,000 IU for children.

Externally, an oil solution of vitamin A can be used for burns, frostbite and ulcers. It is applied to cleansed areas of skin several times a day until a scar forms on the surface.

Side effects of the drug are associated with the development of intoxication and skin syndrome (headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fever, rash, peeling, etc.) due to excessive doses. In pregnant women, hypervitaminosis A can provoke the development of polydactyly (extra fingers on the hands and feet) in the unborn child, as well as lead to fatty degeneration and liver fibrosis in the woman herself. In these cases, it is better to use a retinol precursor.

Beta-carotene (betacarotene) is provitamin A. It is used for conditions associated with a lack of retinol in the body. It plays an important role as an antioxidant (protects when exposed to X-ray, radiation, laser irradiation, chemotherapy, immunodeficiency, etc.). Beta-carotene is taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules. For preventive purposes, children over 4 years of age and adults are prescribed the drug after meals at a dose of 0.01–0.03 g per day, and for pregnant women – 0.01 g per day.

For treatment, higher doses of the drug are used: 0.03–0.18 g per day. The course of admission is 3–12 months. Can also be used as an oil solution for skin manifestations.

To prevent deficiency, it is better to take vitamin A as part of multivitamin complexes (Revit, Oligovit, Pikovit, Complivit, Centrum for Children, etc.).

Thus, retinol plays an important role in the children's body. It is involved in the formation of good vision, strong immunity, healthy skin and gastrointestinal tract organs. Acute vitamin A deficiency is extremely dangerous. A child may become blind at an early age, and in adolescence, growth and physical development will slow down. In the future, boys and girls may develop infertility: a decrease in the number of sperm in men and the production of progesterone (pregnancy hormone) in women.

In the process of prevention and treatment of deficiency conditions, it is important to remember the danger of hypervitaminosis A., as well as the formation of fetal deformities (polydactyly) and defects of the face, heart, and nervous system. In infants, due to increased intracranial pressure, the fontanelle begins to bulge and pulsate, and vomiting occurs. At an older age, increased excitability develops, there is an enlarged liver, pain in the legs when walking, skin damage (peeling, cracks in the corners of the mouth).

Special caution is required when using retinol preparations. The dosage and course of administration should be strictly controlled by a doctor.

About the importance of vitamin A for children in the “Live Healthy!” program:

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble substance that comes in two forms - retinol (the original vitamin) and carotene (provitamin A). The role of this element is indispensable for normal human life, since thanks to this vitamin, cell growth is stimulated and the aging process is slowed down, the redox balance is normalized and vision is improved, as well as the formation of bone and dental tissue. A lack of vitamin A contributes to serious changes in the body, which have their own signs and symptoms.

Hypovitaminosis A is caused by two main groups of reasons:

The first group is a deficiency due to insufficient intake of vitamin A into the body through food;

The second group - appears as a result of disturbances in the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, severe infectious diseases, pathologies of the endocrine system and helminthiasis, and also occurs during pregnancy, during rapid development and growth of the body and under significant physical or mental stress.

Daily value of vitamin A

In order to avoid hypovitaminosis of vitamin A, it is necessary to maintain the balance of this element in the body daily, in an amount corresponding to the person’s age and lifestyle:

• 0-12 months – 0.4 mg;
• 1-3 years – 0.45 mg;
• 4-6 years – 0.5 mg;
• 7-10 years – 0.7 mg;
• 11-50 years – 0.8 mg;
• Pregnant women - +0.2 mg;
• Nursing women - +0.4 mg.

Persons exposed to heavy physical labor are at risk and need 1 mg of vitamin A per day.

Sources of Vitamin A

• Vegetables – carrots, pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, green onions and parsley;
• Fruits – apples, melon, apricot and grapes;
• Berries – cherries, sea buckthorn, watermelon;
• Dairy products – sour cream, cheese, milk, butter;
• By-products – beef liver;
• Egg – chicken egg yolk;
• Fish oil and red caviar.

Symptoms of retinol and carotene deficiency

The symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are different and develop over quite a long time, appearing alternately. There are three stages of development of vitamin A deficiency:

1. The first stage of vitamin A hypovitaminosis - signs of the primary stage are disruption of the functioning of some internal organs, which has no characteristic specificity and is accompanied by a decrease in performance, body tone and a decrease in resistance to viral infections. The symptoms of this stage can only be determined with the help of certain laboratory tests that use stress tests;
2. The second stage of vitamin A deficiency - the secondary stage manifests itself in the form of visual symptoms, and the clinical manifestations of vitamin A deficiency reflect a lack of certain substances. Symptoms of vitamin deficiency at this stage are expressed in a disease associated with a violation of the human immune system;
3. The third stage of vitamin A deficiency manifests itself in the form of a condition that causes a complete deficiency of the nutrient or a violation of its absorption. A lack of vitamin A causes various diseases that have characteristic symptoms, the treatment of which begins immediately after replenishing the missing element in the body.

Signs of hypovitaminosis

A lack of vitamin A in the human body results in the appearance of wrinkles and early aging of the skin, and the formation of dandruff. Also a characteristic symptom of vitamin deficiency is “night blindness,” which is the inability to see when it gets dark. Signs of vitamin deficiency of retinol and carotene include dry skin, the appearance of acne and deterioration of the condition of teeth. With a deficiency, apathy, insomnia and fatigue may appear.

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include the accumulation of crusts and mucus in the corners of the eyes, as well as disruption of female and male reproductive functions. In childhood, a lack of vitamin A is manifested by decreased immunity, slowed growth, fatigue, dry and pale skin, color blindness, and night blindness.

A lack of vitamin A can lead to intestinal infections, liver cysts, and pancreatic cancer. Women may develop mastopathy and cervical erosion, and men may experience loss of libido and erection, as well as experience urinary incontinence. In some cases, the development of lung cancer, bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis was diagnosed with vitamin A hypovitaminosis.

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency indicate the need to visit a doctor, because serious diseases can occur that are much more difficult to treat than the deficiency itself.

Treatment of retinol and carotene deficiency

If there is a lack of vitamin A in the body, timely treatment is required, since such a condition can cause serious illness. If a person has a deficiency of vitamin A, the first step is therapy that helps replenish its deficiency. There are several ways to treat vitamin deficiency:

1. Balanced diet - consumption of foods that contain a high concentration of retinol or carotene;
2. Medicines – dosage forms help against vitamin deficiency within 2-4 weeks. The type of drug and dosage are prescribed individually, in accordance with the stage of vitamin A hypovitaminosis.
3. Treatment of concomitant diseases - a lack of retinol and carotene in the body has serious consequences, among which even cancer is diagnosed. That is why, having noticed the first signs of vitamin deficiency, you should begin procedures to eliminate it as early as possible in order to prevent the development of the disease.

Preparations of this vitamin are presented in the form of capsules of 1.5 milligrams, dragees of 1 milligram, oil solutions of various concentrations (for injection and for oral administration), vitamin A concentrate from fish liver oil and cod fish oil.

Multivitamin complexes, such as Undevit, Hexavit, Vitrum, Duovit, Complivit, are also irreplaceable, with the help of which you can replenish the deficiency of the missing nutrient. Basically, synthetic drugs are prescribed if the patient does not have adequate nutrition; in other situations, experts recommend combating the deficiency of components missing in the body with the help of specially selected diets.

Consequences

The consequences of a long-term deficiency of retinol and carotene are disappointing, since this condition affects almost all internal systems of the human body, causing diseases of internal organs and diseases of vital systems.

By noticing the first signs of vitamin deficiency and promptly consulting a doctor, you can protect yourself from eye diseases such as blindness, prevent skin lesions in the form of acne and dermatitis, and also protect your body from the harmful effects of bacteria and infections.

For good health, every person needs useful substances. They are found in certain foods, fruits and vegetables. You need to carefully monitor your health and try to eat more healthy foods.

Vitamin A is especially necessary for maintaining beauty, healthy skin and hair, and is very good for vision. Helps in the fight against various infections, supports immunity. Retinol is not soluble in water and must be consumed with fats.

Refers to fat-soluble antioxidants. It was one of the first to be discovered among vitamins, which is why it is designated by the letter A.

It is obtained from carrots. This group of vitamins is called carotenoids.

Its main sources:

• cottage cheese;
• egg yolk;
• milk;
• heavy cream.

Retinol is also found in plant foods:

• sea ​​buckthorn;
• green onions;
• pumpkin;
• peas;
• rosehip.

From medicinal herbs:

• nettle;
• lemongrass;
• mint;
• fennel;
• sage;
• horsetail;
• sorrel.

Vitamin A has a great influence on the entire human body.

He is constantly involved:

in restorative functions;

regulates protein synthesis;

responsible for metabolism;

forms bones and strengthens teeth.

Retinol is especially necessary for the growth and formation of new cells. He is essentially slows down aging, strengthens the immune system.

Helps increase the body's defense response. Protects the body from flu, colds, various infections, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system.

Vitamin A must be included in cosmetic products. After all, it has a great effect on the skin, helps in the treatment of acne, pimples, psoriasis.

Helps speed up the process of regeneration and recovery from burns, significantly reduces the risk of infection.

Retinol is a good remedy for the prevention of oncology, protects the heart and blood vessels, and affects cholesterol levels. Excellent effect on vision, reduces the risk of developing cataracts and macular destruction.

Daily requirement

In case of a lack of retinol, you need to eat foods enriched with this vitamin. Take additional pharmaceutical medications.

The daily dose useful for men is 900 mcg, the norm for women is 700 mcg.

Children need 400 mcg per day. To avoid delays in the development of the child, you need to monitor his nutrition. The dosage increases due to the presence of certain diseases.

Pregnant women should take no more than 6,000 IU per day. So that there is no negative impact on the fetus. It should be taken with caution by people suffering from asthma, hypothyroidism or allergic diseases.

Application

Retinol should be taken if:

Eye diseases.

Skin damage.

Tissue restoration.

It helps perfectly in the treatment of:

pneumonia;

• liver diseases;

  biliary tract.

Reasons for the shortage

The main cause of this problem is the consumption of foods that have undergone thermal and chemical processing. At the same time, they significantly lose their nutritional value.

Improper and unbalanced nutrition is also one of the reasons.

Impaired absorption of retinol in the intestines. Chronic diseases of the liver, intestines, pancreas, and anemia can lead to this. Decreased retinol absorption can occur due to dietary fat or low protein intake.

Oncology, diseases of the urinary system, various infectious diseases.

People who subject the body to great physical stress.

Hypovitaminosis can develop:

under stress;

during periods of illness;

during pregnancy.

Breast milk contains large amounts of vitamin A, and natural feeding is very important for the baby.

The baby will be completely protected from hypovitaminosis. When switching to adult nutrition, the child must be given more vegetables and fruits, and liver. Consume milk porridge and vitamin supplements.

Retinol tends to accumulate in the liver. Therefore, you don’t have to eat foods rich in this substance every day.

What diseases can cause vitamin A deficiency?

With a lack of this substance, the following may occur:

decreased visual acuity;

deterioration of skin condition;

infectious diseases;

hair loss;

indigestion;

decreased immunity.

Adults may develop the following diseases:

Seborrheic dermatitis.

• Cyst in the liver.

  Cancer of the pancreas, lungs, skin.

  Necrosis of the cornea of ​​the eye.

  Tissue inflammation.

Women experience menstrual irregularities. Cervical erosion may form and mastopathy may develop. Serious complications can occur during pregnancy. There is a risk of bronchopulmonary diseases and the child.

With hypovitaminosis in children the following is observed:

decreased immunity;

recovery is more difficult;

pneumonia;

peeling of the skin occurs, cracks form;

growth slowdown.

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency

Hypovitaminosis occurs in adults and children. There are three stages of this condition:

First there are vision problems.

Performance decreases.

Appetite worsens.

Immunity is weakened.

Insomnia appears.

Furunculosis.

Acne.

Phrynoderma.

The skin begins to age quickly, wrinkles may appear, cracks may form, and the skin may become keratinized. Peeling and rash may appear, and dandruff may form.

Deterioration of the condition of the teeth, caries appears, bleeding gums, dry mucous membranes are possible.

Decreased libido.

Reproductive function may decrease in both men and women. Hormonal imbalances lead to the development of infertility. Difficulties arise when bearing a child.

At the last stage, the growth of all body tissues slows down. The functioning of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems is disrupted. The most serious consequence is:

decreased visual acuity;

corneal clouding;

eye diseases.

In children, the skin peels and cracks form in the corners of the lips. Growth and overall development may slow down, and intellectual abilities may decrease.

What to do

It is imperative to consult a doctor, undergo an examination, take tests and identify the exact cause of the condition. Only after this is treatment prescribed in the form of drugs containing retinol in their composition. Following a diet also helps to restore the lack of this useful substance.

Retinol preparations are available in the form of:

• oil solution;

  injection ampoules;

  dragees and tablets.

It is most convenient to use drugs in capsules or tablets. The duration of treatment ranges from 2 weeks to 4 months. It all depends on the severity of the condition and the need for recovery.

To avoid vitamin A deficiency, you need to eat foods rich in this substance. Be sure to eat dairy products, heavy cream and cottage cheese, and cheese with a high fat content. Meat, eggs, liver, fruits and vegetables. It's good to take fish oil.

Retinol is actively involved in cell growth and restoration, forms immunity, and normalizes metabolism. Affects the quality of vision, skin condition, beauty and shine of hair and nails. With a significant deficiency of this substance, serious health problems arise. It is important to monitor your lifestyle and eat healthy foods rich in vitamins.

Useful video

The whole truth about retinol.