Vitamin A deficiencies include the following;
Skin
Skin cells require Vitamin A for creation and repair. This nutrient also fights inflammation due to certain skin conditions. Not getting enough Vitamin A may be to blame for developing eczema, psoriasis, and other skin problems.
Eczema is a skin condition with dry inflamed skin, which is itchy. Several clinical studies show that ‘alitretinoin’ which is a prescribed medication with Vitamin A activity is effective in eczema treatment.
In one 12-week study, people with chronic eczema who took 10–40 mg of alitretinoin per day experienced up to a 53% reduction in their symptoms Keep in mind that dry skin can have many causes, but chronic vitamin A deficiency may be the reason.
Eyes
It is well documented that Vitamin A deficiency causes eye problems, and can eventually lead to blindness or dying corneas Dry eyes or the inability to produce tears is a Vitamin A deficiency. Supplementing with Vitamin A could resolve these issues.
Night Blindness
Only a really severe deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to night blindness. In a study, women with night blindness had Vitamin A given in the form of food or supplements. Both forms of Vitamin A improved their conditions by over 50%.
Conception and Reproduction Systems
The male reproductive system requires a good balance of Vitamin A, this has been shown in numerous laboratory studies. Other studies showed that female rats with Vitamin A deficiencies had trouble conceiving. They also had embryos who had birth defects.
Infertile men require more antioxidants, studies have shown due to them carrying more oxidative stress. Vitamin A is an antioxidant. Vitamin A deficiency is also related to miscarriages.
Delayed Growth
Children who are Vitamin A deficient may have stunted growth. Vitamin A is essential for the proper development of the human body. Taking other supplements as well as Vitamin A works best.
Measles
Children with Vitamin A deficiency are more susceptible to measles and the disease tends to be more severe. In deficient children taking Vitamin A supplements can shorten the fever and diarrhea caused by measles.
Cancer
Studies have shown that people who eat foods containing β-carotene might have reduced risks to certain types of cancers, such as prostate cancer and lung cancer.
Poor Wound Healing
Wounds heal better and faster post-surgery and injury with the correct blood levels of Vitamin A. Areas that are slow to heal are linked to Vitamin A deficiencies. Vitamin A promotes collagen creation. Collagen goes on to support other essential bodily functions like;
- maintaining a healthy gut
- maintaining a healthy weight
- reducing anxiety
- improving mood
- promoting healthy nail and hair growth
Vitamin A is an important part of having healthy skin. Research has shown that topical Vitamin A creams and oral Vitamin A supplements strengthens our skin and improves elasticity. Studies in rats found that oral Vitamin A improved collagen production, even though the rats had been given steroids which can stop wounds healing. Other studies found that Vitamin A cream also prevented ‘sores’ linked to diabetes.
Similar studies in humans found that elderly men reduced the size of their wounds by as much as 50% when using Vitamin A topical cream. This was compared to men who didn’t use the cream.
Chest Infections
Constant throat and chest infections may be a sign of vitamin deficiency.
Acne and Breakouts
Low Vitamin A levels may be associated with Acne. Vitamin A fights inflammation and also promotes skin conditioning so it may prevent and treat Acne. In one study I read, 200 adults with acne were over 80mcg lower than those without the condition.
Creams containing Vitamin A can reduce acne research shows by as much as 50%.
