What Is Vitamin A Deficiency?
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a condition in which the body does not produce enough vitamin A. This leads to problems such as poor vision, dry skin, and night blindness. VAD is caused by a lack of dietary intake of vitamin A. Vitamin A is found in foods such as liver, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is 900 mcg/day. However, most children need 1000 mcg/day. The symptoms of VAD include dry eyes, dry skin, and poor vision. People who suffer from these conditions usually experience fatigue, weight loss, and hair loss. In severe cases, people can develop infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Preventing Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A deficiency is a serious problem in developing countries. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 2 million children die every year due to vitamin A deficiency. This number has been steadily increasing over the years. Vitamin A is essential for healthy