VITAMIN A IN ENGLISH

                                                   

                                          VITAMIN A IN ENGLISH

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VITAMIN- A

 

Ø  Vitamins are organic compounds and  categorized as essential nutrients. They are required by the body in very small amounts, that’s why hey fall in the category of micronutrients. Vitamins do not yield energy but enable the body to use other nutrients.

Ø  Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. It is found in many forms such as retinol, retinal and beta carotene.

FUNCTIONS-

Ø   Vitamin A has multiple functions. Such as –

Ø  it is very important for normal vision. It contributes to the production of retinal pigments which are needed for vision in dim light.

Ø  it supports growth especially skeletal growth which increases height of the person.

Ø  it is necessary for maintaining the integrity and the normal functioning of glandular and epithelial tissue which lines intestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts as well as the skin and eyes.

Ø  it help in protecting against some epithelial cancers such as bronchial cancers.

Ø  it has anti-infective property . There is increased susceptibility to infection and lowered immune response in vitamin A deficiency.

Ø  It is also important for the maintenance of skin and the mucous membrane.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN A-

Ø  Foods rich in retinal are liver, eggs, butter, cheese, whole milk, fish and meat. Fish liver oils are the richest natural sources of vitamin A.

Ø  The plants source of vitamin A are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, Vitamin A also occurs in most green and yellow fruits and vegetables such as papaya, mango, pumpkin and in some roots such as carrot.

DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN A-

Ø  Vitamin A deficiency of vitamin A results in-

Ø  Nightblindness,

Ø  Conjunctivalxerosis,

Ø  Bitot's spots,

Ø  Corneal xerosis and

Ø  Keratomalacia.

Ø  Extra ocular manifestations

Ø  Nightblindness-Night blindness is a type of vision impairment also known as nyctalopia. It is defiened as inability to see in dim light. The mother of the child herself can detect this condition when her child cannot see in late evenings or find her in a darkened room. Nightblindness is due to impairment in dark adaptation.

Ø  Conjunctivalxerosis-If vitamin A intake is not increased even after night blindness than this condition may occur. conjunctiva becomes dry and non-wettable. Instead of looking smooth and shiny, it appears muddy and wrinkled.

Ø  Bitot's spots-Bitot's spots are triangular, pearly-white or yellowish, foamy spots on the bulbar conjunctiva on either side of the cornea. They are frequently bilateral

Ø  Corneal xerosis- This stage is very serious. The cornea appears dull, dry and non-wettable and eventually opaque. It does not have a moist appearance. In more severe deficiency there may be corneal ulceration.  

Ø  Keratomalacia-Keratomalacia is an eye condition in which the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, gets cloudy and softens. If Keratomalacia is not treated than infection, rupture, and tissue changes  may result in blindness. Keratomalacia is also known as xerotic keratitis or corneal melting.

Ø  Extra ocular manifestations –

Ø  Dry Skin

Ø  Vitamin A is responsible for creating and repairing skin cells. Eczema and other skin problems are caused due to vitamin A deficiency that leads to dry, itchy skin.

Ø  Infertility

Ø  Vitamin A deficiency results in infertility in both men and women.

Ø  Delayed Growth-

Ø  Vitamin A is beneficial for the proper growth and development of the body. Deficiency of vitamin A results in stunted growth in children.

Ø  Infections in Throat and Chest-

Ø  Throat and chest infections are also the results of vitamin A deficiency. People who lack vitamin A are more prone to throat and chest infections

Ø   

PREVENTION OF VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY-

Ø  All children should receive vitamin A supplementation up the age of 5 years.

Ø  Vitamin A containing food vegetables and fruits should be taken.

Ø  The recommended daily intake of vitamin A is 600 micrograms for adults.