Details about Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)

Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) 1. Introduction Vitamin A (Retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, growth, and epithelial integrity. Deficiency is a major cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality from infections. 2. Etiology (Causes) Dietary deficiency: Inadequate intake of vitamin A-rich foods (common in developing countries). Malabsorption syndromes: Celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic diarrhea. Liver disorders: Impaired storage and metabolism of vitamin A (e.g., cirrhosis). Increased requirement: During infections like measles, pregnancy, and lactation. Fat malabsorption: Due to bile duct obstruction or pancreatic insufficiency. 3. Pathophysiology Vitamin A is vital for : Formation of rhodopsin in retinal rods for low-light vision. Maintenance of epithelial tissues (skin, mucosa). Regulation of gene expression . Deficiency leads to impaired vision, keratinization of epithelial tissues, and compromised immunity. 4. …