Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including vision, immune system function, reproduction, and cellular communication. It exists in several forms, including retinol (the active form), retinal, and retinoic acid, each with specific functions and sources.
Vitamin A
Sources of vit-A:
Animal source –
Cod liver oil, liver, egg yolk, milk and milk products, fish (especially small fishes, such as mola, dela etc.), butter, cheese etc.
Plant source or vegetable source –
Colored vegetables & fruits, such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, papayas, pumpkins, cabbage, banana, mangoes etc.
Fortified foods:
Functions of vitamin-A:
1. It supports the growth and maintenance of epithelial tissue.
2. It helps in vision and prevents night blindness.
3. It prevents infection.
4. It is essential for normal growth.
Effects of vit-A deficiency:
Ocular manifestation:
a. Conjunctival and corneal xerosis
b. Night blindness
c. Corneal opacity and scarring
d. Complete blindness
Extra-ocular manifestation:
a. Dryness and roughness of the skin
b. Dry hair and brittle nails
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c. Increases risk of child deaths from diseases such as measles and diarrhoea
d. Low resistance to infections
e. Anorexia
f. Growth retardation
Night blindness
Definition:
Failure or imperfection of vision at night or in dim light.
Causes:
A. Congenital
B. Disease of the eye:
1. Degenerative changes in the eye associated with myopiat
2. Retinal detachment
3. Chronic simple glaucoma with marked contraction of visual field
C. Systemic disorder:
1. Vitamin-A deficiency
2. Cirrhosis of liver
Prevention:
1. Distribution of vitamin A: Through EPI & NID.
2. Health education: Campaigning on night-blindness and its prevention to the community.
3. Promotion of child feeding practices.tonia) Animal
4. Breast feeding: Encouragement to mothers for adequate breast feeding.
5. Post-partum vitamin-A prophylaxis to mothers.
See also :
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