Vitamin A Deficiency – Find Out The Potential Risks

vitamin a

Vitamin A works as an antioxidant in the body. This means that it fights free radicals and cellular damage. Therefore, vitamin A deficiency can lead to some health problems. Read on to discover more about the topic.

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a number of health problems. This nutrient is classified as one of the fat-soluble vitamins, so a minimum of fatty tissue is required in order to be stored in the body.

Read Also, Vitamin D – How to Boost it in Your Body

In the human body, this vitamin performs several vital functions. It participates in the development of eyesight and ensures the maintenance of healthy eyes. Besides, it works as an antioxidant. Therefore, its regular consumption reduces the risk of complex diseases in the long and medium term, as shown in a report published in the journal Nutrients.

The good news is that this vitamin is one of the nutrients found in abundance in many natural foods, especially red and orange foods. For this reason, consuming vegetables regularly ensures that you get enough of them.

Despite all of this, some people can develop a vitamin A deficiency, due to a diet too low in fat or not following a varied enough diet.

So, what are the consequences of that? In this article, we review some of the primary risks of the condition.

Vitamin A deficiency and neurodegenerative diseases

Vitamin A played a neuroprotective role. For this reason, lower levels of it are associated with a greater prevalence of conditions related to aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The deficiency of this nutrient is associated with increased production of what are known as beta-amyloid peptides, compounds linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, as demonstrated in a report published in 2017.

Antioxidants reduce the risk of developing diseases related to aging. In this respect, vitamin A is no exception.

Vision Problems

One of the first warning symptoms of a vitamin A deficiency is vision problems. The most common condition known as blinding (night blindness) is a significant difficulty seeing in dark environments.

In severe cases of vitamin A deficiency, the patient can suffer from severe injuries to the eyes, but these cases are rare.

It is more common to suffer from gastrointestinal disorders due to this deficiency. For example, diarrhea is a very common symptom among sufferers.

Lung health

Smokers or individuals with obstructive pulmonary disease are more sensitive to vitamin A deficiency. And in these individuals, low levels of this nutrient can lead to an increased risk of cancer.

For this reason, in some special cases, supplements may be considered. But as a general rule, it is best to get this vitamin through a varied diet.

Foods Containing Vitamin A.

Red and orange foods usually provide beta-carotene and vitamin A. For this reason, it is important to include it in the diet regularly.

Examples:

1- Carrots :

Carrots contain high levels of beta-carotene, as half a cup of them contains 459 micrograms of vitamin A.

It is worth noting that carrots are rich in dietary fiber, which in turn helps prevent constipation and promote intestinal health, as it is low in calories.

2-Red Pepper:

Red bell peppers are a good source of vitamin A, which is known as retinoids, and eating it is associated with many different health benefits.

One large red pepper contains 257 micrograms of vitamin A.

3- Mango:

Did you know that a single mango contains approximately 112 micrograms of vitamin A, which is roughly 45% of the daily ration?

Not only that, but mango fruit is characterized by its antioxidant properties and contains good levels of dietary fibers important to human health.

Other Foods:

Sweet Potato 

Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, with a whole grain providing 1403 mcg of Vitamin A.

Vitamin A in sweet potatoes is in the form of beta-carotene, and it helps protect against prostate and colon cancer, according to various scientific studies.

Spinach

Spinach contains a type of vitamin A called provitamin A, which is found in plant products specifically. This type of vitamin the body needs to process before it can enjoy its benefits.

Half a cup of boiled spinach contains 573 micrograms of vitamin A, and eating it will provide you with both iron and magnesium as well.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another healthy source of vitamin A, as half a cup of it provides 60 micrograms of vitamin A, which is 24% of a person’s recommended daily allowance.

In turn, broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K and C, which are important for maintaining human health.

Additionally, milk, butter, and cheese are also sources of this vitamin. And even some fruits, like apricots and mangoes, contain large amounts.

If you eat a balanced and varied diet that includes lots of vegetables, it can be very difficult to struggle with a deficiency in this important nutrient.


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