Good day, guys! I am glad to welcome everyone! ?
Relatively recently, I have already managed to acquaint our readers with the benefits and dangers of lack of vitamins of groups "B", "C" and "D".
From these articles, we learned a lot of interesting, and most importantly, useful information. I undeservedly overlooked another type of biologically active substances - vitamins "A". Today I will try to fix the situation!
Unreasonable decrease in immunity? Increased tearing? Erection problems and rapid skin aging?
Are you sure that the causes of these symptoms are classic SARS, stress at work or general malaise? It is possible that disruptions in the biological mechanism are caused due to a lack of certain elements in the body.
I don’t dare to detain you any longer and I’ll start the story! Let's go, the topic of my article is vitamin A deficiency!
Structural features and beneficial properties of vitamin "A"
To begin with, I propose to understand the main functions that vitamins "A" perform in the body. How can we talk about a deficiency if we have not familiarized ourselves with the benefits of biologically active substances?
I think that few subscribers are aware of the structure of such elements. In general, the need to maintain an optimal level of vitamin "A" in the body is due to the peculiarities of their composition, which contains the following fat-soluble substances:
- retinol;
- dehydroretinol;
- retinal;
- retinoleic acid;
- spatial isomers and esters of fat-soluble substances.
Such names will be understandable only to qualified doctors who understand the intricate designations of biologically active elements.
For the rest of the readers, I will try to explain more clearly the functionality and the extent of the beneficial effects of vitamins "A" on the human body. So, friends, the main functions of the above substances:
- promote muscle growth and the production of sex hormones;
- support color vision;
- protect the body from the negative effects of free radicals;
- take part in various chemical reactions;
- improve immunity.
Is that easier guys? I think it's definitely clearer. ? Thus, vitamin "A" performs a number of important functions in the body, participating in various biological processes.
The lack of such micro and macro elements is the cause of hypovitaminosis, accompanied by a complex of chronic diseases. Well, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with this "beast" in more detail.
The daily norm of vitamin "A": "In order to avoid hypovitaminosis, you need to use vitamins of group" A "in the right amount every day. Remembering the dosage is quite simple, and if you need to refresh your memory, then you can always go to Start-health.
Symptoms of hypovitaminosis
Friends, the causes of hypovitaminosis are traditionally classified into 2 categories - exogenous and endogenous.
Not everyone understands the terminology, so I’ll say more simply - a lack of vitamin "A" can be caused due to the negative impact of external factors or directly malfunctions in the body itself.
The main thing is to timely detect the deficiency of biologically active substances. Hypovitaminosis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- early appearance of wrinkles and aging of the skin;
- accumulation of mucus, acne and crusts in the corners of the eyes;
- dandruff (provided that you have not changed your hair care products);
- visually noticeable redness of the eyelids and the appearance of a regular desire to "rub" the eyes;
- a decrease in the level of pain defect;
- increased temperature sensitivity;
- weakening of erection in men;
- premature and accelerated ejaculation;
- decrease in the elasticity of the sphincter of the bladder;
- hair loss;
- fragility of the nail plates;
- tearing of the eyes in the cold.
There may be a lack of vitamins of group "A" in both children and adults, so it is important to monitor the level of such elements in the body.
Prerequisites for adding foods high in these substances to your diet are often already existing diseases of the pancreas and liver.
I also note that for the full processing of vitamin A in the body, it is important to regularly consume vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that promotes the oxidation of retinol.
An important clarification: "The use of vitamins of group" A "should be guided by indicators daily allowance according to age. I have given the optimal dosages a little higher.
However, he did not mention that for smokers, the serving should be increased by 0.2 mg; for pregnant women - by 0.3 mg; for nursing mothers - by 0.4 mg. "
The consequences of a lack of vitamin A in the body
If you do not detect the signs of vitamin A deficiency in time, you can pay a lot for your carelessness. The consequences of a lack of such biologically active elements are manifested in the following spectrum of diseases:
- deterioration of the skin (psoriasis, acne, etc.);
- tooth decay and visually noticeable damage to tooth enamel;
- slowing down the growth and development of the body;
- a significant decrease in immunity;
- manifestation of anemia;
- disturbances in the digestive system (ulcers, gastritis and even pancreatic cancer);
- functioning problems respiratory tract;
- the occurrence of gynecological pathologies (mastopathy, milk loss, inflammation and tumors of the mammary glands).
The main sources of vitamin A in the body are the following food categories:
- Fish oil and red caviar;
- Egg yolk (chicken);
- Vegetables - carrots, broccoli, green onions, pumpkin, spinach and parsley;
- By-products - beef liver;
- Fruits - melon, apricot, apple and grapes;
- Fermented milk products - sour cream, butter, cheese and milk;
- Berries - cherry, watermelon and sea buckthorn.
If you saturate your diet with such products in a timely manner, then you can be sure that you will not have a deficiency of this vitamin, guys. ?
By the way, from the listed food you can cook not only healthy, but also delicious food... Most importantly, do not forget to use your imagination, delighting yourself and your loved ones with culinary masterpieces!
Interesting information: “Relatively recently, scientists from the American Institute found that vitamin" A "helps to accelerate the processing of sugar in the blood.
If such information is confirmed experimentally, then in the hands of doctors will be another effective "weapon" in the fight against glycemia, hypertension, obesity, as well as diabetes of I and II degrees. "
Friends, it is pointless to talk about the benefits of vitamin "A" for human health. Naturally, these biological substances are extremely important to us. However, I tried to show you the extent of vitamin A deficiency in the body.
I hope that the information will be not only informative, but also instructive for you. Diversify your diet today by adding the above products to the menu.
Perhaps you have already faced the problem of vitamin A deficiency? Share your experience guys! Tell us about the reasons and consequences - your opinion is very important to us.
I think that's enough for today! I hope you received a lot of useful information, which means that it takes time to "digest" it.
All the best to you guys! Be healthy and enjoy life! ?
Vitamins A and E play an important role in our body. With their lack, our eyesight, hair and nails suffer. Unfortunately, many women associate these symptoms with low-quality cosmetics or age-related changes.
The role of vitamin A for our body
This vitamin has two forms: carotene and retinol. Retinol is found in animal products. Also, our body assimilates alpha, beta and gamma carotenes from food.
Alpha carotene
This provitamin can be found in kiwi, cantaloupe, beans, potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin. However, in order for the provitamin to survive, all foods must be eaten raw or steamed. With prolonged heat treatment, all useful substances evaporate. Lack of this substance leads to disorders in the immune system, skin and vision problems. Regular consumption of foods with alpha-carotene can reduce the incidence of cancer.
Beta carotene
This substance can be found in orange and yellow foods such as carrots, bell peppers, peaches, and chicory. Regular use of it reduces the risk of cardiovascular and oncological diseases.
What is the result of a lack of vitamin A?
It was already mentioned above that a lack of vitamin A in the body can lead to serious disorders. To notice the lack of this vitamin in time, pay attention to the following symptoms:
The appearance of wrinkles and rapid aging of the skin;
Vision problems;
Increased fatigue, poor health, loss of strength, insomnia, apathy;
Diseases of the skin (increased dryness, acne, and the like);
Respiratory tract diseases;
Deterioration of hair condition;
Problems with gums and teeth (hypersensitivity);
Problems with intimate life (decreased libido, loss of erection).
For vitamin A to be absorbed, elements such as iron and zinc are needed. With constant nervous breakdowns, diets, diseases, unhealthy nutrition, vitamin A reserves are quickly depleted in our body.
Zinc provides transport of vitamin A from the liver. Zinc is also responsible for its accumulation and storage in body tissues. This vitamin plays an important role in metabolic processes. The lack of vitamin affects women especially strongly: hair and nails become brittle, dandruff and skin problems appear. Upset stomach and diarrhea may occur.
Excess vitamin A
An excess of this vitamin is also bad for the body. Therefore, carefully read the instructions for vitamin complexes and, if necessary, consult a doctor. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis: bleeding, which often cause miscarriage, bad mood and apathy, nausea, indigestion, severe headaches.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is just as important for women's health as vitamin A. It helps fight free radicals and has antioxidant properties. In addition, this vitamin plays a significant role in bearing the fetus. There are eight forms in which vitamin E is present.
What does a lack of vitamin E lead to?
It is not for nothing that in this article we are considering two vitamins at once: A and E. The thing is that they are very important for the female body. With a lack of these vitamins, a woman will not be able to conceive a child, and a man will not be able to impregnate. Cases of miscarriages are not uncommon. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that these vitamins are supplied in the right amount to our body.
Vitamin E deficiency affects the nervous system, the pituitary gland and thyroid gland... The first symptoms that should alert you are lethargy, apathy, feeling unwell, general weakness, emotional instability. As soon as you notice you have these symptoms, see your doctor right away. You will be assigned a comprehensive examination, which will include an examination of the thyroid gland, liver, and gallbladder.
With vitamin deficiency, a person becomes too irritable. Severe anemia may occur. Long-term vitamin deficiency can even lead to the development of serious diseases such as thromboembolism and cancer. The main function of vitamin E is to protect the body from harmful substances.
Sometimes a course of treatment with vitamin E is prescribed if a girl is sick with mastopathy, fibroplasia, intraventricular bleeding. With such diseases, not only drug treatment is prescribed, but also a special diet.
Fortunately, vitamin E and A deficiencies are very rare. But it can occur if the human body does not absorb fats well. Also, women who are over 50 years old suffer from vitamin deficiency. People who use alcohol or drugs are at risk of vitamin deficiency. However, most often doctors are faced with cases when a lack of vitamins is associated with various diets.
If you are burned or injured, have undergone surgery, then you must definitely include foods that contain vitamin E in your diet. This will help the body recover faster.
What does an excess of vitamin E lead to?
The daily requirement for vitamin E is only 14 grams. However, during pregnancy, in the presence of certain diseases or strong physical exertion, the dose of the vitamin is increased several times. As a rule, an excess of this vitamin does not affect our body in any way, but still it should not be abused.
Where to find vitamin E?
If a person monitors his diet, then he is unlikely to encounter vitamin deficiency. Vitamin E is found in eggs, milk, nuts, grains, seeds and grass, and vegetables. The daily need for a vitamin can be compensated by pharmaceutical multivitamin complexes or special preparations. A lot of this vitamin is found in sunflower, sesame and hemp oil. But keep in mind that in order for this vitamin to be properly absorbed, you need to eat fatty foods.
How to overcome vitamin deficiency with folk remedies
It is very easy to make up for the lack of vitamins A and E with the help of ordinary foods. To do this, include in your diet vegetable salads, which are prepared from the following ingredients: parsley, celery, dill, sorrel and carrots. Eat a vinaigrette flavored with vegetable or olive oil at least once a week. Do not forget that heat-treated foods lose their beneficial properties.
Asparagus
This product contains a large amount of vitamins A and E. To replenish the supply of vitamins, it is recommended to consume this product at least once every two weeks. However, you need to cook asparagus in a double boiler or at least in the oven. Regular consumption of it not only replenishes vitamin stores, but also helps cleanse the intestines of antioxidants.
Sea fish
Fatty fish contain many vitamins, including A and E. Choose these varieties: mackerel, salmon, tuna, salmon. This fish is rich in omega fatty acids, which help in the fight against obesity.
Liver
The liver is a very useful product that can provide our body with various vitamins and substances. Previously, this product was used to treat diseases such as night blindness and anemia.
The very first of the vitamins discovered by scientists is vitamin A. Therefore, its name came from the first letter of the alphabet. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that has two forms - provitamin A (carotene) and original vitamin A (retinol).
The role of vitamin A in human life is very great - it stimulates the growth of new cells and inhibits the aging of existing ones, normalizes redox processes, has a positive effect on vision, as well as on the formation of bones and teeth.
The lack of vitamin a in the human body is caused by the following factors:
- lack of vitamin a in food;
- prolonged deficiency of complete proteins;
- insufficient fat intake;
- diseases of the intestines, liver, pancreas and biliary tract.
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency
Signs of a lack of vitamin A in the body are expressed as follows:
- the appearance of wrinkles and early aging of the skin, dandruff;
- manifestation of "night blindness" (when nothing is visible in the evening). Blindness worsens over time;
- dry skin, the appearance of acne;
- deterioration of the condition of the teeth and gums, increased sensitivity of the tooth enamel;
- fatigue, apathy, insomnia;
- "Watery eyes" in the cold, redness of the eyelids, accumulation of mucus and crusts in the corners of the eyes;
- loss of erection in men and lack of arousal in women.
In children, the signs of a lack of vitamin a are as follows: decreased immunity, growth retardation, fatigue, dry, rough and pale skin, children do not distinguish between blue and yellow, they develop "night blindness".
What does a lack of vitamin A lead to?
The consequences of a lack of vitamin A are very serious. They cover almost all vital systems. Thus, a person may develop "night blindness", which subsequently transforms into permanent blindness. Both adults and adolescent children develop acne. With a lack of vitamin A, various types of dermatitis can develop, due to which the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, becomes more vulnerable to all kinds of bacteria and infections.
Retinol deficiency in adults
Lack of vitamin a in adults leads to the following ailments:
- to anemia;
- to immunodeficiency at the cellular level;
- from the side of the organs of vision - to corneal opacity, xerophthalmia;
- to seborrheic dermatitis, acne, skin cancer;
- to intestinal infections, diarrhea, gastritis, colitis, cysts in the liver, pancreatic cancer;
- in women - to mastopathy, erosion of the cervix, endocervicitis, leukoplakia;
- in men - to urinary incontinence, loss of erection and libido;
- to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, lung cancer.
Vitamin A deficiency in children
Lack of vitamin a in children leads to serious disorders of the child's immune system, while infections affect babies more often, proceeding harder and longer. In addition, serious consequences include deterioration of vision, damage to the skin, disruption of the normal functioning of many internal organs. Children who are deficient in vitamin A often have pneumonia with a high risk of death.
With a lack of vitamin a, children may experience dry skin. It manifests itself in the form of "goose bumps" of rough skin on the elbows, cracks on the delicate surface of the lips and dry skin of the whole body. Of course, such signs can be the cause of allergic reactions, but if there are no characteristic symptoms, then it is highly likely that the child simply does not receive the required dose of vitamin A and its derivatives.
Vitamin A deficiency in infants
For infants, vitamin A plays an important role. If there is a lack of vitamin a in the child's body, then the work of the visual organ is disrupted, the formation of which occurs precisely thanks to retinol and its derivatives.
The mucous membranes also suffer from a lack of vitamin a in the body of infants. The skin becomes dry: the water balance is disturbed in it, which contributes to the nutrition of skin cells. It is possible to replenish the reserves of vitamin A in the body of a newborn with the help of breast milk: the mother should consume more foods that contain large amounts of vitamin A. These can be: pumpkin, fish, carrots, young peas, green beans, parsley, cottage cheese, sour cream and others.
What to do with a lack of vitamin A
If there is a lack of vitamin a, then in order to replenish its reserves, you need to revise your diet. There are several treatment options for a lack of retinol in the human body, including:
- Diet: the daily diet must include foods high in vitamin A - butter, cheese, cream, yolk, fish oil, beef liver, cod liver and rich in carotene - bell peppers, carrots, rose hips, sea buckthorn, black currants, green crops , apricots.
- Vitamin A supplementation: Your doctor may prescribe vitamin A supplementation for up to two to four weeks. The dosage and methods of administration are selected by the doctor, since there is a danger of hypervitaminosis A.
- In case of eye lesions, riboflavin may be used as directed by a doctor.
The use of vitamin A has its own contraindications. So, one should be careful when taking vitamin A for pregnant women, with chronic and acute nephritis and cardiac decompensation. In addition, it is very important not to exceed the daily dose recommended by the attending physician: a single therapeutic dose should not exceed 50,000 ME for adults, and 5,000 ME for children, a daily dose of 100,000 IU for adults, 25,000 ME for children. An overdose is dangerous intoxication, and the benefits of treatment will then be reduced to zero.
Vitamin A preparations are presented in such forms as:
- capsules of 1.5 mg;
- dragee 1 mg;
- oil solutions of different concentrations for oral administration, for injection;
- vitamin A concentrate from fish liver oil;
- cod fish oil.
Prevention of vitamin A deficiency
Lack of vitamin a requires immediate treatment under the supervision of a specialist. The main thing in the prevention of hypovitaminosis is balanced diet with the necessary content of vitamin A or carotene in food. Replenish its reserves will help: carrots, green leafy vegetables, peaches, apricots, liver, butter and other products. If it is impossible to diversify food, it is recommended to take fish oil - 2-3 times a day, one tablespoon, multivitamin complexes - Undevit, Gendevit, Hexavit, Complivit, etc.
Vitamin A (retinol) plays a primary role in maintaining general human health, in particular in maintaining the functioning of the immune, reproductive systems, the organ of vision and the integrity of epithelial tissues. Lack of this organic compound can negatively affect, first of all, visual acuity and skin condition. If the doctor suspects a lack of retinol in the body, he prescribes a determination of its concentration in the venous blood. The analysis can be passed in the direction or independently (with a preventive purpose). It is also important to examine the digestive tract: hypovitaminosis can develop due to a decrease in the quality of absorption of vitamin A in the small intestine.
How to suspect a lack of retinol?
With vitamin A deficiency, the following symptoms appear:
- visual impairment, especially at dusk;
- dry skin;
- damage to mucous membranes;
- increased fragility of nails and hair;
- physical weakness, decreased performance;
- peeling of the skin;
- hypersensitivity of the cornea, the formation of ulcerative defects on the mucous membrane of the eyes;
- dizziness;
- tendency to develop urolithiasis;
- decreased activity of the immune system, a tendency to develop infectious and inflammatory diseases.
In children, hypovitaminosis A can even lead to a delay in physical and mental development, severe weakness, and a decrease in twilight vision. If you notice at least a few symptoms of a lack of retinol, you need to see your doctor. The specialist will conduct an examination and make an accurate diagnosis, and, if necessary, prescribe a treatment for the disease and adherence to a certain diet.
The experience of scientists around the world has shown that when retinol reserves are depleted, people have serious problems with immunity, skin, and the reproductive system. Even banal ARVI can lead to severe bronchopulmonary complications and death from infections.
If hypovitaminosis A develops, the epithelium of the internal organs suffers. This causes keratinization of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, genitourinary organs, intestines, and the organ of vision. The secretion of epithelial cells of the bronchi and lungs slows down, which increases the risk of developing respiratory diseases with bacterial complications and other adverse consequences. Keratinization of the skin occurs, and the limbs are primarily damaged.
The epithelium of the urinary tract is damaged, stones begin to form around the fragments of the torn tissue. Long-term vitamin A deficiency can result in urolithiasis and associated complications. Against the background of a lack of retinol, spermatogenesis in men is impaired, and testicular tissue atrophy may occur. But the lack of vitamin A is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women.
Risks of Retinol Lack in Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at risk. During the period of gestation, retinol takes part in the development of many organs and tissues of the fetus. British scientists conducted studies on mice, according to the results of which it was possible to establish that even a moderate deficiency of retinol increases protein synthesis, which destroys brain neurons. These consequences are irreversible.
Lack of retinol during intrauterine life can lead to a decrease in the ability and early development Alzheimer's disease in adulthood. Hypovitaminosis A leads to the fading of pregnancy, severe weakness in women, manifested by the threat of miscarriage and a high risk of developing defects in the unborn child.
Be sure to pay attention to your diet while preparing for pregnancy. A large number of Vitamin A is found in fish oil, liver, butter, milk, green and yellow vegetables, and legumes. In addition, take multivitamin complexes.
The role of vitamin A
The true vitamin A is retinol (found in food of animal nature), and its precursor is provitamin A carotene (found in vegetables, fruits, herbs). In the liver, carotene is converted to vitamin A, and its supply is stored in adipose tissue. Thus, even if a person for a limited period of time eats poorly, but has fat throughout the body, hypovitaminosis will not occur. Vitamin A accumulated in adipose tissue will be gradually released, depending on the state of the body.
These are the main functions of retinol:
- participation in the production of protein structures, enzymes and hormonal substances;
- maintaining twilight vision;
- participation in the growth of the skeleton;
- maintaining the activity of the human reproductive system;
- preservation of the basic functions of epithelial and bone cells;
- protection against free radicals and premature aging;
- prevention of the development of malignant tumors;
- maintaining the full functioning of the genitourinary organs and gastrointestinal tract.
Not so long ago, experts discovered the antitumor effect of retinoids. It has been experimentally proven that vitamin A minimizes the effects of carcinogens, maintains the normal functionality of epithelial cells and prevents their proliferation.
Modern research has shown that a lack of vitamin A dramatically increases the body's susceptibility to viruses and bacteria. The reason for the development of infections lies in the lack of intake of retinol with food. Vitamin A supplementation helps to reduce the risk of contracting measles among children and promotes mild illness.
Vitamin A intake
In adults, the need for vitamin A is 700-900 mcg per day. It is enough for a woman to consume 600-700 mcg per day, for a man a little more - about 900 mcg. The norm of vitamin A for a child under 6 months is 400 mcg, from 6 to 12 months - 500 mcg per day. Children over one year old and adolescents should receive up to 500-900 mcg of vitamin A per day. The need for retinol during pregnancy increases - up to 800-900 mcg per day.
It is important to remember that bile is necessary for the absorption of vitamin A. It is synthesized when fat is present in the diet. Low-calorie diets are dangerous for the development of vitamin deficiency, especially for women, who can bring down hormones and lose their previous reproductive functions.
High doses of retinol are toxic! Do not exceed the recommended dosage! But the toxic properties of retinol appear when the daily intake exceeds 3000 mcg.
Foods high in retinol
A decrease in the amount of vitamin A in the blood is observed with an unbalanced diet, when there are no animal products, vegetables and fruits.
It takes several weeks for retinol levels to return to normal. Treatment necessarily includes changing the diet and taking vitamin preparations.
The following foods contain large amounts of retinol:
- beef liver;
- butter;
- egg yolks;
- fish fat;
- sour cream;
- caviar;
- cottage cheese;
Foods high in carotene:
- carrot;
- bell pepper;
- broccoli;
- pumpkin;
- spinach;
- soybeans and peas;
- apricots and peaches;
- sea buckthorn;
- melon;
- rose hip.
How to improve the absorption of vitamin A?
Vitamin A deficiency can be primary or secondary. Primary occurs in children and adults who eat poorly, refuse fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese, cottage cheese and butter, replace healthy meals semi-finished products, canned food, sweets. Abrupt termination breastfeeding also increases the risk of vitamin deficiency in a child.
Secondary retinol deficiency is mainly associated with impaired fat absorption, with problems in the work of organs that are involved in bile formation. Vitamin A is fat-soluble - sufficient fat must be maintained in order for it to be absorbed. The absorption of retinol impairs the lack of zinc, which is involved in the metabolism and transport of vitamin A.
Vitamin E is also used to increase absorption, which is considered a powerful antioxidant. It promotes the absorption of retinol from the intestines and the maintenance of essential useful properties vitamin A. It is not recommended to use activated charcoal at the same time as retinol, which may impair absorption nutrients in the intestines.
Deficiency of vitamin A in a child's body can lead to blindness, decreased immunity and stunted growth. Proper nutrition and therapeutic correction will help prevent dangerous symptoms.
Vitamin A (retinol) is an organic compound that in the human body participates in metabolic processes, light perception, skeletal formation, the synthesis of steroid hormones (progesterone, etc.) and spermatogenesis, as well as the functioning of organs and systems. It affects the respiratory and urinary tract, skin, mucous membrane of the eyes, as well as the digestive tract and immunity. The main site of vitamin A exposure is epithelial tissue, which covers all of our organs.
Retinol has a predecessor. It is a provitamin - beta-carotene. It is able to accumulate in the subcutaneous fat, creating an additional supply (depot) in the body. Under the influence of enzymes in the walls of the small intestine, the precursor is converted into vitamin A in the quantities necessary for the body. Beta-carotene and retinol have a powerful antioxidant effect, that is, they prevent excessive oxidative processes in the body and the accumulation of free radicals - harmful chemical compounds. Thanks to these properties, vitamin A protects against the appearance of cancerous tumors.
Basic biochemical functions
It is vitamin A that provides us with good eyesight.
- regulates the activity of receptors and the function of cell membranes;
- promotes the assimilation of food (breakdown of fats);
- regulates the synthesis of protein and acidic mucopolysaccharides (hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, etc.);
- has antioxidant activity (prevents aging of the body).
The effect of vitamin A on the body of a pregnant woman
It is necessary to remember about the need to take multivitamin complexes (Vitrum Prenatal, Elevit Pronatal, Alphabet mom's health"," Mom compliments ", etc.). They must contain retinol or beta-carotene. Vitamin A has an important effect on the body of the mother and the unborn child:
- participates in the formation of visual pigment (rhodopsin);
- ensures the development of the placenta and the growth of the fetus;
- activates immunity;
- improves the well-being of the pregnant woman (normalizes sleep, enhances the contractions of the heart, helping to redistribute the increased blood volume);
- has a positive effect on a woman's skin, hair and nails, contributing to their healthy condition.
Daily intake of vitamin A for children and adults
Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency in the Body
- Lack of retinol and beta-carotene in food (vitamin deficiency in the winter-spring period).
- Unbalanced diet: deficiency of proteins and fats (vitamin A is poorly absorbed).
- Pathology of the digestive system (colitis, impaired intestinal absorption - malabsorption syndrome, hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, etc.). Gastroenterological diseases interfere with the normal absorption of retinol and the conversion of beta-carotene to its active form.
- Lack of vitamin E and zinc in food also interferes with the absorption of vitamin A
- Increased need for retinol during pregnancy and (woman does not take multivitamins).
Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency in Children
- Frequent infections of the respiratory tract (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), urinary and gastrointestinal tract;
- protrusion of the fontanelle in infants (increased spinal pressure due to impaired circulation of cerebrospinal fluid), paresis of the facial nerve is possible (motionless and asymmetrical half of the face);
- blurred vision, especially in the dark (night blindness);
- dryness of the mucous membrane of the eye and cornea - xerophthalmia;
- delayed growth of bones and the body;
- dry skin with areas of peeling ("fish scales") and papular rash (convex nodular elements), pustular lesions (furunculosis), erosion of mucous membranes (stomatitis) are possible;
- dull hair, dandruff;
- anemia (pallor of the skin);
- insomnia;
- decreased appetite, weakness;
- increased sensitivity of tooth enamel to external stimuli (cold, hot food, sweets, etc.);
- the formation of infertility.
Night blindness
Deficiency of vitamin E in the body leads to impaired absorption of retinol. Hemeralopia is a decrease in visual acuity at dusk and darkness (at night). The disease is associated with a violation of the production of visual pigment - rhodopsin, due to a deficiency of vitamin A. Rhodopsin takes part in capturing the light flux by the eye at reduced illumination. The characteristic symptoms of hemeralopia are: a sharp deterioration in vision at night with a violation of orientation in space, a decrease in the field of visibility, a change in the correct perception of individual colors - blue and yellow.
Night blindness is difficult to detect in young children (under 4 years of age). The appearance of silvery-gray plaques (Bitot spots) on the cornea of the eye helps in the diagnosis. They become early sign developing necrosis - keratomalacia. The reason for this is severe dryness of the cornea and conjunctival mucosa with impaired lacrimation (xerophthalmia). There is a burning sensation, cloudiness and loss of shine, a feeling of a foreign object in the eye, photophobia. Most often, the inflammatory process develops from two sides at once.
If treatment is not started on time, the child may completely or partially lose sight (melting of the cornea with perforation - perforation of the eyeball). In older children, the inflammatory response is less pronounced. As a rule, only conjunctivitis develops due to dryness of the mucous membrane: redness, itching, complaints of "sand in the eyes".
Prevention and treatment of hemeralopia comes down to good nutrition (especially when) with enriching the diet with foods containing vitamin A and beta-carotene. These are cod liver, fish oil, beef liver, butter, milk, cheese, egg yolk, tomatoes, spinach, etc. Additionally, retinol and beta-carotene preparations are prescribed in age doses. It is also necessary, since their concentration is reduced in hemeralopia.
For night blindness, retinol is prescribed at a dose of 10,000–25,000 IU, for xerophthalmia - 50,000–100,000 IU, for children - 5,000–20,000 IU per day for several months until the condition improves. The drug is taken orally or parenterally (intramuscular injections), depending on the severity of the disease. Doses of beta-carotene are 3 times higher (1 IU of vitamin A = 0.3 μg of vitamin A = 0.6 μg of beta-carotene).
Sources of Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
The main source of vitamin A precursor is. Beta-carotene belongs to dark orange pigments, so all foods with a high content of it have characteristic colors: bright red, dark green.
The foods richest in beta-carotene are shown in the table.
| Products | Beta-carotene, mg / 100 g of product |
| carrot | 9 |
| sorrel | 7 |
| parsley | 5,7 |
| watercress | 5,6 |
| rose hip | 5 |
| spinach | 4,5 |
| celery | 4,5 |
| wild garlic | 4,2 |
| mango | 2,9 |
| garlic | 2,4 |
| green onions | 2 |
| sweet red pepper | 2 |
| melon | 2 |
| salad | 1,8 |
| apricots | 1,6 |
| broccoli | 1,5 |
| pumpkin | 1,5 |
| tomato | 1,2 |
| chokeberry | 1,2 |
| Dill | 1 |
Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin and therefore comes from animal foods. In the process of culinary processing (cooking, canning, scalding with boiling water), an insignificant part of its beneficial properties is lost. Thus, 70–85% of vitamin A is absorbed.
The foods richest in retinol are listed in the table.
| Products | Vitamin A, mg / 100 g of product |
| fish fat | 19 |
| chicken liver | 12 |
| beef liver | 8,2 |
| Cod liver | 4,4 |
| lamb liver | 3,6 |
| pork liver | 3,4 |
| beluga caviar (granular) | 1,0 |
| acne | 0,9 |
| quail eggs | 0,5 |
| unsalted butter | 0,5 |
| chum salmon caviar (granular) | 0,45 |
| chicken eggs | 0,35 |
| cheese | 0,26 |
| cream 35% fat | 0,25 |
| sour cream 30% fat | 0,23 |
| beef heart | 0,23 |
| beef kidney | 0,23 |
| processed cheese | 0,15 |
| feta cheese | 0,12 |
| fat cottage cheese | 0,10 |
Retinol is better absorbed in the presence of vitamin E, a significant amount of which is found in vegetable oil.
Preparations for the prevention and treatment of vitamin A deficiency in the body
Retinol acetate (retinol palmitate) is an oily solution of vitamin A. It is used in two concentrations: 3.44% (100,000 IU in 1 ml) - for acetate and 1.5% (100,000 IU in 1 ml) - for palmitate; in vials of 10 ml.
Use the drug with a deficiency of vitamin A in the body with the following manifestations:
- frequent infectious diseases, as well as exacerbation of chronic processes;
- inflammation of the skin (eczema, psoriasis, burns and frostbite, wounds, pustular lesions, hyperkeratosis - thickening of the surface layer of the epidermis with pronounced desquamation, etc.);
- eye diseases (hemeralopia, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, conjunctivitis, etc.);
- pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (chronic enterocolitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, malabsorption syndrome - impaired intestinal absorption, etc.).
For prophylactic purposes, retinol is administered orally 10-15 minutes after meals 1-2 times a day (morning or evening). The drug can be used not only in the form of oil drops, but also in the form of tablets, dragees or capsules with various dosages: 3300 IU or 5000 IU of vitamin A in one piece. The drug is prescribed depending on daily requirement children and adults.
For treatment, the drug is taken orally. It can be used in the form of injections (intramuscularly): 0.86% oil solution of retinol acetate in 1 ml (25,000 IU) and 3.44% in 1 ml (100,000 IU).
In case of mild and moderate vitamin A deficiency, adults are prescribed up to 33,000 IU of the drug per day, children - 1,000–5,000 IU, depending on age. For skin and eye diseases, higher doses of retinol acetate are used: 50,000–100,000 IU for adults and 5,000–20,000 IU for children.
Externally, an oily solution of vitamin A can be used for burns, frostbite and ulcers. It is applied to cleansed skin several times a day until a scar is formed on the surface.
A side effect of the drug is associated with the development of intoxication and skin syndrome (headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fever, rash, peeling, etc.) due to excessive doses. In pregnant women, hypervitaminosis A can provoke the development of polydactyly (extra fingers on the hands, feet) in the unborn child, as well as lead to fatty degeneration and liver fibrosis in the woman herself. In these cases, it is better to use a retinol precursor formulation.
Beta-carotene (beta-carotene) is a provitamin A. It is used for conditions associated with a lack of retinol in the body. Plays an important role as an antioxidant (protects when exposed to X-ray, radiation, laser irradiation, during chemotherapy, immunodeficiency, etc.). Beta-carotene is taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules. For prophylactic purposes, children over 4 years of age and adults are prescribed the drug after meals at a dose of 0.01–0.03 g per day, for pregnant women - 0.01 g per day.
For treatment, higher doses of the drug are used: 0.03–0.18 g per day. The course of admission is 3–12 months. It can also be used in the form of an oily solution for skin manifestations.
To prevent deficiency, it is better to take vitamin A as part of multivitamin complexes (Revit, Oligovit, Pikovit, Complivit, Children's Centrum, etc.).
Thus, retinol plays an important role in child's body... He participates in the formation of good vision, strong immunity, healthy skin and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Acute vitamin A deficiency is extremely dangerous. Blindness may develop in a child at an early age, and growth and physical development... In the future, boys and girls may develop infertility: a decrease in the number of sperm in men and the production of progesterone (pregnancy hormone) in women.
In the process of prevention and treatment of deficiency conditions, it is important to remember about the danger of hypervitaminosis A., as well as the formation of fetal deformities (polydactyly) and defects of the face, heart, nervous system... In infants, due to increased intracranial pressure, the fontanel begins to swell and pulsate, vomiting occurs. At an older age, increased excitability develops, there is an increase in the liver, pain in the legs when walking, skin lesions (peeling, cracks in the corners of the mouth).
When using retinol preparations, special care is needed. Doses and course of administration should be strictly controlled by a doctor.
On the importance of vitamin A for children in the Healthy Living! Program: