Vitamin A—also known as retinol, retinoic acid, and carotenoids—is an essential nutrient for the health and well-being of our bodies. Though it may be best known amongst skincare enthusiasts for its use in anti-aging face creams, vitamin A is also a super important part of our daily diets. Vitamin A has antioxidant properties that protect against free radicals and is intrinsic for maintaining a robust immune system, strong bones, and healthy vision. It’s also an essential nutrient for cell division and the reproductive system.
In fact, vitamin A is so important to our health and wellbeing that a vitamin A deficiency could cause some serious health problems—everything from blurred vision to infertility to dry skin. For this reason, it’s important to understand what the symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are and how they manifest in the body—while also being aware that too much vitamin A can have pretty adverse effects as well.
But there’s no need to panic; most of us generally get enough vitamin A through the foods we eat—especially if we’re sticking to a wholesome, veggie-rich diet. Read on to learn more about vitamin A and find out how to ensure you’re getting the right amount of this all-important nutrient.
What does vitamin A do?
Vitamin A is a fat soluble nutrient that performs various functions in relation to the health of some organs and fundamental mechanisms in our bodies—good stuff like vision, skin, bones, hormones, and the immune system. It also supports the health of babies as they develop in the womb.
Here are just a few of the important functions that vitamin A supports:
Eyes
When combined with a protein, vitamin A forms rhodopsin, the pigment that makes the eye sensitive to light. This is why your mama always told you carrots were good for your eyes—they have vitamin A!
Skin and Mucosa
Vitamin A helps keep the linings of some organs and systems functional, protecting them from damage—especially the lungs, trachea, urethra, and bladder. There’s also some evidence to suggest that consuming adequate amounts of vitamin A helps prevent the formation of acne.
Bones
Vitamin A—together with calcium, vitamin D, and protein—is essential for bone growth.
Reproduction
Vitamin A plays a key role in the synthesis of sexual hormones and in conception. It also supports the healthy formation of a developing embryo.
Immune system
Vitamin A supports the immune system in fighting infections by creating strong mucous barriers and assisting in the production of white blood cells.
Reduced risk of cancer
Vitamin A contributes to the healthy development and growth of cells and has been shown to prevent certain types of cancer.
Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency
“Vitamin A deficiency can lead to ophthalmological, dermatological, and immune impairment,” explains an overview by Christopher Taylor and Christopher Hodge in the National Library of Medicine. However, they also call out that “the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency is rarely seen in the first world, nutrient-rich countries.” Still, because a vitamin A deficiency can affect those with inflammatory bowel disease and post-bariatric surgery—or those who don’t eat a nutrient-rich diet—it’s good to be aware of the symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact a medical provider who can perform a blood test to determine the cause and prescribe treatment.