What are 5 Most Important Deficiency Manifestations of Vitamin A?

The Biochemistry Online – Free Online Lectures for Medical, Dental and Allied Health Sciences students by the Biochemistry Club.

When deficiency of Vitamin A occurs, following manifestations may appear:

1. Nyctalopia or Night Blindness

• Visual Activity is decreased in dim light, cannot read/drive in poor light.
• Dark adaptation time is increased.

2. Xerophthalmia

• Conjunctiva becomes dry, thick & wrinkled.
• Corneal ulceration may develop.
• The cornea gets keratinized and loses its transparency (keratomalacia).

3. Bitot’s Spots

• Greyish white triangular patches on conjunctiva start to form.
• These are called Bitot’s spots.
• These are reversible if treated early.

4. Keratinization of Skin & Mucous Membrane

• Follicular hyperkeratosis results from hyperkeratinization of the epithelium lining.
• The follicles, skin is rough.
• Gastrointestinal, Respiratory & Genitourinary tracts have keratinizing metaplasia.
• Epithelium is atrophied.
• Urinary calculi due to keratinization of epithelium may form.

5. Growth retardation

• Skeletal growth retardation can be seen due to the defective synthesis of chondroitin sulfate.

All these lectures are organized and listed in detail in their proper sections. To view these lessons please visit the Vitamins Section in Biochemistry I. This can be approached by directly clicking the Biochemistry I button or it can also be approached from the drop down menu in Biochemistry I tab. Once you reach the section click the curriculum tab to view the full list in the section.

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